Policy Strategy for Social Protection Toward Independent and Productive Ageing in Indonesia

Abstract

Indonesia has entered the ageing population era since 2021, with the older population projected to exceed 65 million by 2045. This demographic shift presents complex challenges across health, social, economic, and environmental sectors, demanding adaptive, inclusive, and sustainable social protection policies for older persons. This study evaluates the effectiveness of current policies by referring to global, regional, and national frameworks, while assessing critical aspects including human resources, financing, infrastructure, and program governance. The analysis identifies major implementation gaps, including limited capacity of social workforce, heavy dependence on the state budget (APBN), lack of age-friendly infrastructure, and poor inter-agency coordination and data integration. To address these gaps, the paper proposes a core strategy centered on strengthening the competencies of human resources and raising public awareness. This involves standardized training programs, nationwide awareness campaigns, and partnerships with academic institutions and professional organizations. The proposed strategy draws on a life-cycle approach, the concept of healthy ageing, and integrated cross-sectoral collaboration. Its objective is to establish a robust and responsive social protection system that secures the health, economic resilience, and social inclusion of older persons. This paper aims to provide evidence-based policy recommendations to ensure that older persons live independently, with dignity and quality of life.