Based on data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) in 2023, almost 12 percent or around 29 million Indonesians are included in the elderly category. This figure is expected to increase, so that the aging population phase in Indonesia will be 20 percent in 2045.
Therefore, starting from this data, the Demographic Institute of the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) of Universitas Indonesia (UI) held a seminar titled “Generasi Silver Aktif dan Sejahtera pada Indonesia Emas 2045,” on Friday, August 30, at the Pullman Hotel, Jakarta. This event was also to commemorate the age of the Demographic Institute which has entered six decades, by discussing current issues related to the silver generation (elderly) and various challenges towards Indonesia Emas 2045.
Deputy Minister of Finance I of the Republic of Indonesia, Prof. Suahasil Nazara, S.E., M.Sc., Ph.D., who was present as one of the speakers at the event emphasized the importance of supporting the growth of productive age with comprehensive government policies, starting from the prenatal phase to old age. Success and efforts during the productive period greatly affect the quality of life in old age.
“Investment in education, health, adaptive social protection, and pension system reform have a crucial role in realizing a sustainable silver demographic dividend,” said Prof. Suahasil, who is also an alumnus of FEB UI.
Meanwhile, Prof. Sri Moertiningsih Adioetomo, a senior researcher at the FEB UI Demographic Institute, said that as they age, the elderly will experience a decrease in functional capacity which is exacerbated by non-communicable diseases due to an unhealthy lifestyle from an early age. This creates a need for long-term care (LTC) which may place a significant burden on families and the government. LTC costs include medical costs, non-medical costs, caregiving costs, and other social costs.
Based on this, Prof. Sri provides several alternatives for LTC financing, such as the social insurance system, Universal Coverage Tax Funded System, and Safety Net Tax-Funded System. “LTC policies in several countries are not always included in the scope of universal health insurance, so countries such as Japan and Korea have developed special social insurance schemes for this need. Another example is Germany, where LTC clients contribute up to 21.4% of the total cost, while in Japan the contribution reaches 10%,” said Prof. Sri who is also a Professor at FEB UI.
Other speakers who attended the seminar were the Head of the Institute of Advanced Studies in Economics and Business (IASEB) FEB UI, Turro Selrits Wongkaren, Ph.D., and Social Protection Program Manager, International Labor Organization, Ippei Tsuruga. This activity was also attended by government officials who study elderly issues and policies, academics and researchers who understand elderly issues, and other stakeholders who care about elderly problems.
Acting Dean of FEB UI, Arief Wibisono Lubis, Ph.D., in his opening speech said that LD FEB UI has traveled a long journey of six decades full of valuable contributions in studies and research related to demographics, especially in the context of Indonesia, both at the national and international levels so that it has developed as a leading study center in its field.
“The theme of this seminar is very relevant to the challenges that Indonesia will face in the future. As the elderly population grows rapidly, we are faced with the need to formulate strategies that not only ensure their welfare, but also encourage their active role in national development. This Silver Generation has extraordinary potential if supported by the right policies,” said Arief.
According to him, this seminar will produce various constructive and innovative ideas as a strong foothold for Indonesia in preparing itself for Indonesia Emas 2045. He also expressed his appreciation and gratitude to all parties who have supported and contributed to the 60-year journey of LD FEB UI. He hopes that this institution can continue to provide real contributions to the nation and state.
