[REVISION HISTORY]

Indonesia demographic aging and social protection

3 recorded revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-30 09:24 UTC → 2026-10-17 00:01 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Indonesia is navigating significant socio-economic challenges related to poverty and a looming demographic transition toward an aging population. As of March 2026, the poverty rate was reported at 8.07 percent, affecting approximately 22.93 million people. To address these shifts, the Indonesian government has identified old-age social protection for informal workers as a primary priority. This is particularly urgent given that approximately 60 percent of the nation’s 155 million workers operate in the informal sector. Current data indicates a lack of preparedness for an aging society, with only 5.37 percent of the population owning a pension fund and a pension fund literacy index of 22 percent. Research suggests that while the elderly population reached 12 percent in 2025, it is projected to exceed 20 percent by 2045. Currently, 82.96 percent of the elderly are financially dependent on working family members, and 55.32 percent of seniors remain in the workforce, mostly in the informal sector. In response, the National Institute of Public Administration (LAN) is emphasizing the need for cross-sector policy orchestration, focusing on data integration, adaptive social assistance, and human capital investment. Additionally, the Social Affairs Ministry has led a consolidation process for the 2026 Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA) survey in Jakarta to validate national progress in senior development, including health services and long-term care. Localized efforts, such as research in Yogyakarta, are also exploring elderly-friendly urban village designs to improve health outcomes through community involvement and spatial environments. As of late September 2026, Indonesia has officially entered an ageing population phase, with the proportion of citizens aged 60 and older reaching 11.97 percent according to 2025 Intercensal Population Survey results. This ~~demographic~~ shift is driving legislative discussions regarding the Elderly Welfare Bill (RUU Kesejahteraan Lanjut Usia). Ketut Kariyasa Adnyana, a member of the DPR RI Legislative Body, has emphasized the need for a comprehensive policy system to ensure the elderly can live “healthy, safe, and dignified lives.” Adnyana noted that the legislative process should shift the paradigm from providing mere social assistance for the underprivileged to recognizing the elderly as citizens with rights, potential, and opportunities to participate in social life.

Versions

Select a version to see what changed compared to the one before it.