Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Population and Family Development Wihaji stated that the Population Development Grand Design (GDPK) is a strategic tool for harnessing the population's potential and increasing labor absorption.

“The main target of the GDPK is to connect the age structure with available jobs in each region. It puts the system in place and serves as a guide to determine who does what and where,” Wihaji remarked here on Monday.

He explained that according to data from Statistics Indonesia (BPS), the percentage of the productive-age population (15–64 years) stood at 70.72 percent in 2020.

Therefore, it is paramount to design a population strategy design that can improve the quality of human resources across all age groups, from early childhood to the elderly, so that the population demographic bonus benefits can be optimally achieved.

“Our population is (dominated by) the productive age, but are there enough available jobs? That is why we need to ensure quality development from infancy through adulthood," Minister Wihaji explained.

The ministry also aims to enhance women’s participation through programs such as the Tamasya Daycare, birth control, and job creation programs.

The GDPK theoretically outlines a demographic roadmap, giving the government clear direction in developing a high-quality population.

“For example, if 4.8 million babies are born today, then in six years, there will be 4.8 million children entering elementary school, minus the mortality rate. Through the GPDK, the government can prepare the appropriate number of schools," he remarked.

Wihaji expressed hope that the GDPK will enable data-driven policy formulation.

“GDPK, as a grand design, encompasses many aspects and must align with the ministry. All provinces have discussed the GDPK, which is expected to address various challenges, particularly those related to the demographic bonus,” he stated.

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Translator: Lintang, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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