The aging of the population has become a global concern in the twenty-first century, particularly in wealthy nations. In Asia as well, the issue of population aging has taken on social, political, and economic significance. Japan and Korea represent two nations with sizable senior populations. Population aging has been explicitly linked to development initiatives in both countries, which have actively designed and implemented such programs. Population aging can be seen as a success of development since it allows people to live longer due to improved health, education, sanitation, nutrition, and other factors. According to estimates, Indonesia's percentage of the senior population will be the same as Singapore's in 2025, although Indonesia's per capita income will be significantly less than Singapore's. How will Indonesia pay for its elderly population then? There has also been a significant increase in the population of the elderly. According to estimates, it will surpass the number of those under the age of fifteen in 2025, reaching 32 million people, and reach 40 million people in 2030. Senior citizens need extra attention. Is Indonesia ready for this?

That is part of the speech and introduction to the forum from Mrs. Bondan S. Sikoki, S.E., M.A., as Director of SurveyMETER representing the Organizing Committee at the opening of the workshop "Population Aging and Development: Documentation, Challenges and Next Steps". This event was organized by SurveyMETER in collaboration with the Emong Lansia UI Foundation, Center for Aging Studies - University of Indonesia, The Asia Foundation, and Australian Aid. The event took place at The Phoenix Hotel Yogyakarta on 19 – 20 November 2012. This workshop lasted two days, presenting 29 speakers and 150 participants who were stakeholders in the problem of population aging, both from the government, the community, NGOs, academics and international institutions.

The Deputy Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, Prof. Dr. Ali Gufron Mukti M.Sc., Ph.D., was in attendance. He gave a keynote speech. The Head of the Yogyakarta Special Region Health Service, Dr. Sarminto M. Kes, represented the Governor of DIY and symbolically opened the meeting on the first day of the event. Other attendees included representatives from the Department of Indonesian Social Affairs, Drs. Mulyo Johni, M.Si., Knowledge Sector AUSAID Benjamin Davis, Chairman of the National Commission for the Elderly, Dr. Toni Hartono, BAPPENAS representative, Chairman of the Damandiri Foundation, Prof. Haryono Suyono M.A., Ph.D., and the workshop steering committee, Prof. Tri Budi W. Rahardjo, Dra Eva A.J. Sabdono, MBA, and Bondan Sikoki S.E., M.A.

Support from AUSAID for Indonesia

Benjamin Davis, the Knowledge Sector representative for AUSAID, stated in his speech that the organization's goal in implementing this initiative was to raise the standard of public policy in Indonesia in a number of ways. Presenting study findings that can be applied to the formulation of policy is one of them. In addition, by assisting governmental organizations in utilizing the findings of the research, also serves as a mediator or go-between for researchers and policymakers.

Since Benjamin acknowledged that public policy was his area of expertise, he presented himself as a student who was eager to absorb as much information as possible from the workshop presenters. Additionally, he stated that AUSAID and The Asia Foundation have worked together to facilitate knowledge institutions like SurveyMETER, which has been positioning itself as a knowledge institution in Indonesia for the past two years. Knowledge institutions receive funding from AUSAID to advance their own missions, particularly to carry out non-commissioned research. Because of this, AUSAID gives knowledge institutes the chance to carry out and analyze their own research.

Benjamin claims that in addition to being the first to bring up the topic of aging, SurveyMETER and the organization hosting this event have taken proactive steps to elevate it. Benjamin predicts that this type of discussion will happen more regularly since it provides a place for policymakers and researchers to discuss issues—in this example, aging. Aside from that, Yogyakarta is the most senior-friendly city in Indonesia, making it a perfect location for this convention. The workshop aims to draw attention to Indonesia's aging population from a variety of angles, including social, economic, and cultural. Benjamin claims that Australia is similarly dealing with the issue of aging. The workshop's participants were drawn from a variety of universities. Hopefully, the outcomes of this conversation continue. Benjamin stated in his speech, "I hope that policymakers and researchers can find common ground regarding dealing with aging problems."

According to Mrs. Bondan from SurveyMETER, the goal of this activity is to provide a venue for all parties involved to gather, talk about the topic of aging, and record the actions completed, obstacles encountered, and next initiatives that will be taken. It is also hoped that it will become a forum for sharing information, discussing, and finding common ground to work together and formulate follow-up plans. Additionally, it is intended that a social network on the topic of population aging can be developed following the workshop. Benjamin anticipates that the forum will cover a wide range of topics in the interim, such as the best ways to finance and support the elderly population, how the Indonesian health system can assist the elderly, which pension or old age security system is best suited for Indonesia, how the private sector can play a role in this, the sociocultural context, and the roles that families and society play in this matter.

The paradigm that needs to be changed

Aging will be followed by a decline in bodily function, which will lead to lower output, according to Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono, the governor of Yogyakarta's Special Region. The stereotype of the elderly as being ill and dependent on others is common. Because life expectancy is rising and birth rates are falling, there are more elderly people in the world.

The Sultan states that one of the main topics of his address would be costs. In 2025, Indonesia will have a huge increase in the number of retired civil personnel. Because a multifaceted solution is required to address this issue, the government, the commercial sector, and society as a whole must pay particular attention. Elderly issues shouldn't be seen as a burden; rather, older people should be given the tools they need to be independent, as this will not only affect their productivity but also their health. Eliminating the belief that older people are "finished and useless" is necessary, because there are still more elderly persons who are useful than those who are not. Sultan also expects that through this event, issues and difficulties may be identified, feedback and ideas can be gathered, and senior citizen initiatives can be developed. Additionally, it is envisaged that increased synergistic collaboration across the public, business, and societal sectors will raise the living standards of the elderly and their families.

In the meantime, in his keynote address, "Government Experience: Strategy and Policy for Elderly Health Services in Indonesia," Prof. Dr. Ali Gufron Mukti, M.Sc., Ph.D., Deputy Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, detailed the Ministry of Health's resolve to change the phrase "poor people are prohibited from sick" to "poor people are prohibited from paying if they are sick" through a number of initiatives. Article 138 of Law No. 36 of 2009 concerning Health clearly defines the legal framework for senior health care. Article 138 stipulates that the goal of health care for the elderly should be to preserve their socioeconomic well-being while upholding their human dignity.

This law serves as a guide for the goals of health development, which include raising people's knowledge, willingness, and capacity to live healthily in order to attain the greatest possible level of public health and enable them to lead fulfilling lives on both a social and economic level. Therefore, in Ali Gufron's opinion, the government must ensure that health services are available and make it easier for the senior population to maintain their independence and contribute to society and the economy. "It is our aim that a minimum standard of service will be provided to the public. "The government has implemented a PP (government regulation) regarding the elderly, which concerns religious, health, and public service issues, for example how the elderly can get friendly service, such as when taking the bus where priority is given and also regarding the use of public facilities," explained Ali Gufron.

Older Adults Health Program Policy

The overall goal of these government rules is to enhance the elderly's health and quality of life so they can age happily and effectively in their families' and communities' lives. In the meantime, the specific goals are to raise elderly people's knowledge of the importance of taking care of their own health, to boost families' and communities' capacity and involvement in enhancing the elderly's health, and to expand the range, accessibility, and caliber of health services available to the aged. Ali Gufron claims that the following government initiatives have been created:

1. Increasing and strengthening health efforts for the elderly in basic health services, especially Community Health Centers through the concept of Elderly Courtesy Community Health Centers.
2. There should be more efforts made to refer older patients for medical care by creating Geriatric Polyclinics at hospitals—of which there are now just eight class A and B institutions.
3. Older people receiving more knowledge and information on nutrition and health.
4. Through the creation and mentoring of Elderly Groups/Posyandu for the Elderly in the Community, elder empowerment is achieved.
5. Improving the quality standard of home care for the elderly, which is provided in conjunction with the community health care program at community health centers and hospitals.
6. Increasing community participation in elderly health efforts through the Health Fund and Jamkesmas.

Following the conclusion of the inaugural events, the first presentation session got underway. The eight presentations, eight forum activities, and the material delivered are implemented as follows.

FIRST DAY

Session 1 Presentation: Experiences from the Government

Dr. Nahiyah J. Faraz, M.Pd., gave a presentation titled "Elderly and Development: Between Hope and Challenges" on behalf of GKR Hemas, Deputy Chair of DPD RI.

Dr. Yulia Suhartini (Director of Social Services for the Elderly, Ministry of Social Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia) presented by Drs Mulyo Johni MSi (Head of Sub-Directorate of Advocacy and Social Services for the Elderly, Ministry of Social Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia)—"Social Services Program for the Elderly"

Maliki Achmad, Ph.D., (BAPPENAS)—"Population Aging and Development: National Transfer Account as One of the Supporting Documentations for Analysis of the Elderly Population Support System"

Dr. Toni Hartono (Chairman II of the National Commission on Elderly)—"Experience from the Government"

Moderator: Prof. Tri Budi W. Rahardjo (Centre for Aging Studies of the University of Indonesia)

Session 2 Presentation: Experiences from the Community

Sabrin O. Ladongi S.Ag, M.M., (Al Kautsar Palu Foundation)—"The Role of the Young Generation in the Development of the Elderly"

Fajarina Lathu Asmarani, S.Kep, Ns., MSN (Elderly Services in the Community, FIKES Respati University Yogyakarta)—“Community Services”

Ruliyandar S.E., M.Kes,—“Golden Geriatric Club (School for the Elderly and Pre-Senior)—Mulia Dua Foundation”

Prof. Dr. Haryono Suyono M.A., Ph.D., (Chair of the Damandiri Foundation)—"Empowerment to Meet the Role of the Elderly in Development"

Moderator: Dra Eva A. J. Sabdono, MBA, (UI Emong Elderly Foundation)

Session 3 Presentation: Experiences from NGOs

Prof. Dr. Luh Ketut Suryani (Suryani Institute)—"Program for Fostering the Elderly in Bali: Happy, Fulfilling, and Prosperous Old Age"

Dr. Rohadi Haryanto, M.Sc., (Indonesian National Council for Social Welfare)—"The Role of Social Organizations in Facing Population Aging"

Dra Hj. Budi Wahyuni ​​M.M., M.A., (PKBI Yogyakarta)—"Sexual Health in Old Age, a Delayed Need"

Dr. Siti Hariani M.Sc., (Pelita Usila Foundation)—“Experience in Developing Elderly Programs in Indonesia”

Dra Eva A. J. Sabdono, MBA (Yayasan Emong Lansia UI)—"Promoting Mutual Support Through Older People's Associations in Indonesia/ Promoting Mutual Support Through Elderly Institutions in Indonesia"

Moderator: Bondan S. Sikoki, S.E., M.A., (SurveyMETER)

Presentation/Forum Session 3a: Policies for the Elderly in the Future

Dr. Nugroho Abikusno (InResAge Trisakti University Jakarta)—“Ageing in Indonesia in The Future”

Prof. Bambang Purwoko M.A., Ph.D., (National Social Security Council)—"Implementation of a National Social Security System Based on Employment Opportunities to Expand Universal Participation in 2014"

Dr. Fiona Howell (TNP2K) presented by Dr. Jan Piebe—"Pathways to Social Pensions in Indonesia: Poverty and Old-Age Income Security/Steps towards Social Pension Funds in Indonesia"

Moderator: Dr. Kharisma Priyo Nugroho (The Asia Foundation)

THE SECOND DAY

Session 4 Presentation: Experiences from Academics

Dr. Fatmah SKM, M.Sc., (FKM Lecturer, University of Indonesia) – "Nutrition of the Elderly: Experience from Academics"

Indrasari Tjandraningsih, M.A., (AKATIGA—Center for Social Analysis)—“Flexible Labor Market and the Burden of the Elderly”

Dr. Hilman Latief (Master Lecturer in Islamic Studies at UMY)–“Faith, Elderly and Philanthropy: The Role of Religious-Based Philanthropic Organizations in Handling the Elderly"

Moderator: Dr. Evi Nurvidya Arifin (Institute of South East Asian Studies, Singapore)

Reflection Session: Indonesian Elderly in the Future

Facilitator: Dr. Ni Wayan Suriastini, M. Phil (SurveyMETER)

Summarizing Reflection Results: Dr. Lies Marcoes Natsir

Session 5 Presentation: Experiences from International Institutions

Dr. Evi Nurvidya Arifin (Institute of South East Asian Study, Singapore) – “Economic Aspects of Population Aging”

Dr. Hernani Djarir, MPH (WHO Indonesia)–“Age Friendly City”

 Dr. Ni Wayan Suriastini, M. Phil (SurveyMETER)—“Indicators of Age Friendly City for Planning and Policy Formulation: an Exploratory Analysis/Indicators for Planning an Age-Friendly City and Designing Policy: An Exploratory Analysis”

Moderator: Dr. Aris Ananta (Institute of South East Asian Studies, Singapore)

Session 5a: Voices of the Elderly

Ibu. Sumaryati (member of Dian Kemala)

Ibu Kamira

Ibu Suminah (member of Dian Kemala)

Professor Saparinah Sadli

Bapak Sutjipto

Facilitator: Dr. Lies Marcoes Natsir

Additional Sessions

Move with Care: J. Puspo Adijuwono

Conclusion Session

Dr. Aris Ananta (Institute of South East Asian Studies, Singapore)

Closing Remarks

Prof. Tri Budi W. Rahardjo (Centre for Aging Studies, the University of Indonesia)