Jakarta – The Ministry of Health emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration and scientific foundations for health policies during the commemoration of World Health Day 2026. This initiative aims to enhance the well-being of the elderly population.
Imran Pambudi, Director of Health Services for Vulnerable Groups at the Ministry, stated on Tuesday that the theme for this year’s observance is “Together for health. Stand with science.” He highlighted that over half of Indonesia’s provinces have entered an aging population era, with more than 10 percent of their inhabitants being elderly.
The proportion of the elderly in Indonesia is projected to significantly increase from 11 percent in 2025 to 22.8 percent by 2050. Health data indicates a rise in chronic diseases and disabilities among the elderly as they age. A survey revealed that 66 percent of older respondents reported multiple medical conditions, such as digestive issues, hypertension, and high cholesterol. Furthermore, symptoms requiring primary care services saw a substantial increase from 11.6 percent overall to 41.9 percent in individuals over 80 years old.
National Socioeconomic Survey data from 2024 indicates that 36 percent of elderly individuals reside in multi-generational households, with families typically serving as their primary caregivers.
Insights from an Australian study on the global care economy underscore that this sector, encompassing both paid and unpaid care, is often undervalued and underfunded. Globally, the combined worth of care is estimated at US$11 trillion annually, with unpaid care accounting for approximately 9 percent of global GDP. The study also noted significant increases in workload within the health care and social assistance sector without commensurate increases in support or remuneration.
Pambudi suggested several practical lessons from Australia’s experience that Indonesia could adapt. These include integrating services through multidisciplinary teams, leveraging community health centers (Puskesmas) and elderly community health posts (Posyandu) as coordination hubs. He also advocated for preventive and early detection approaches, such as rapid screening tools in primary care, to reduce hospitalizations.
Further recommendations involve developing the domestic care workforce through training and career pathways to address anticipated shortages. Accelerating digitalization for robust data management and system interoperability is crucial for better coordination. Finally, recognizing informal caregivers and establishing long-term financing models are vital for sustainable service provision. Grounding policies in science, prevention, and person-centered care can avert functional decline and extend elderly independence.
Source: Original
