Indonesia Faces Challenges of Aging Population and 'Sandwich Generation'

Indonesia is grappling with the dual socio-structural challenges of a rapidly aging population and a growing 'sandwich generation' that supports both children and parents. These issues highlight the pressing need to maintain the quality of life for the elderly and strengthen intergenerational support systems. The demographic landscape of Indonesia is undergoing a significant shift. The increasing elderly population is placing new burdens on social security, healthcare systems, and the labor market. Specifically, the 'sandwich generation'—the economically active age group that must simultaneously support their elderly parents and their minor children—is experiencing escalating economic, psychological, and time pressures, raising concerns about its sustainability. To effectively address these challenges, it is crucial to establish a social system that enables the elderly to live with dignity. This necessitates the expansion of healthcare and elderly care services, the creation of opportunities for social participation, and the implementation of policies aimed at fostering economic independence among seniors. Concurrently, measures such as promoting the utilization of childcare and eldercare services and introducing flexible work arrangements should be considered to provide support to the sandwich generation. The Indonesian government must engage in long-term policy formulation and promote society-wide initiatives to confront these challenges. Adapting to an aging society is fundamentally key to achieving sustainable socio-economic development. Source: Sindonews