Indonesia pushes life-course strategy to tackle rapidly aging population

Woro Srihastuti Sulistyaningrum, the ministry’s deputy for family and population quality improvement, urged a life-course approach to ensure community needs are met at every stage, from early childhood to old age. DBS Foundation’s study defines an aging society when at least 10% of residents are over 60, a threshold Indonesia already passed in 2025 with 12% and is projected to surpass 20% by 2045. This demographic shift will heighten demand for elderly support and strain the productive-age population.

The government intends to strengthen cross-sector policies—including education, health care, job creation, social protection, and services that enhance quality of life in later years—as part of its long-term development plan. Ongoing programs aim to boost human-resource quality while addressing needs at each life stage. DBS Foundation pledged continued assistance to vulnerable communities, emphasizing that preparation for an aging population must begin during the productive years, according to its head of marketing and communications, Mona Monika.