"We are currently experiencing the peak of our demographic bonus. It can be a blessing for the country, but if not managed properly, it could turn into a disaster," he said at the launch of the 2025–2045 Population Development Grand Design in Jakarta on Friday.
"Therefore, we must turn this demographic bonus into a development dividend," he added.
Pratikno noted that key strategies include preparing a skilled and productive workforce and promoting inclusive, sustainable economic growth to achieve national prosperity.
He emphasized that President Prabowo Subianto is giving special attention to health, education, family welfare, and environmental sustainability — all of which align with his ministry’s priorities, especially regarding population distribution and ecosystem preservation.
Urbanization, Pratikno said, remains one of the main challenges in managing the demographic bonus, with 50 percent of the national population currently living in urban areas — a figure projected to rise to 70 percent by 2050.
While urbanization is a key driver of GDP growth, he acknowledged that it brings a host of issues, including housing shortages, limited access to clean water and healthcare, increased crime, and pollution of air, water, and soil.
"This means we must address population distribution," Pratikno stressed, urging stakeholders to balance the demographic structure and improve the quality of life.
He outlined several priorities: ensuring infant health to prevent stunting, maintaining a healthy and productive elderly population, and training a skilled workforce.
Pratikno also stressed the importance of equitable population distribution, regional and rural development, urban planning, and job creation.
"To all regional leaders, I ask for your support during this demographic bonus era," he said. "We must work hard to transform this opportunity into a development dividend that is both sustainable and equitable."
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Translator: M Baqir Idrus A, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Anton Santoso
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