Population and Family Development Minister and National Population and Family Planning Board (BKKBN) Head, Wihaji, stated that the Empowered Elderly Program (Sidaya) is a solution to promote healthy, productive, and socially engaged elderly.
"We want to ensure that the elderly remain physically and mentally healthy through enjoyable activities. This activity also serves as a means of increasing life expectancy and the happiness index of the elderly," he remarked at the 25th anniversary celebration of Perkumpulan Juang Kencana in Jakarta on Monday.
Juang Kencana serves as a forum for social interaction and provides valuable input for government programs, as well as a reminder that empowering the elderly is a long-term investment in the sustainability of the nation's quality of life.
Wihaji explained that the Sidaya program aims to support sustainable empowerment of the elderly in Indonesia, as the country is currently facing an aging demographic.
As one of BKKBN's best quick-win programs, Sidaya offers various activities to engage the elderly, such as educational classes, religious studies, and sports.
He added that retirement marks a new chapter focused on working and sharing valuable life experiences with the younger generation.
"Retirees possess wisdom, perseverance, and noble values that serve as an important foundation for the younger generation," he stated.
Meanwhile, Sudibyo Alimoeso, Chairman of the Perkumpulan Juang Kencana, stated that the Sidaya program emphasizes three elements: physical, mental, and social health.
"First, they must be physically and mentally healthy, free from depression, and free from dementia or senility. Being alone can easily lead to senility, so they need to socialize more often. Next, they (the elderly) must feel safe in their environment, and third, they must be able to participate, but the prerequisite is that they are healthy and safe," he remarked.
He also emphasized the need to start saving early so that people can enjoy financial security in old age and continue contributing to their families and communities.
According to the 2024 data from Statistics Indonesia (BPS), about 12 percent, or 29 million, of Indonesia's population are elderly, with this figure expected to rise to 20 percent by 2045.
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Translator: Lintang Budiyanti Prameswari, Martha Herlinawati S
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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