Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Indonesia has officially launched the “Pintar” Online Elderly School program for senior citizens. The initiative aims to enhance the quality of life for senior citizens through a technology-driven approach.
Elderly School program was launched by the Ministry of Population and Family Development/National Population and Family Planning Agency (Kemendukbangga/BKKBN) in 65 sub-districts across East Jakarta. The program is a collaboration between Kemendukbangga/BKKBN, the Jakarta Provincial Government, the East Jakarta Administration, and Respati University Indonesia.
“The hybrid learning model—combining offline and online methods—aims to help seniors become more tech-savvy. Now, they can send messages and interact online,” said Minister Wihaji in his speech, as reported by Kompas.
This initiative builds upon the existing Bina Keluarga Lansia (BKL) program, which seeks to promote healthy, independent, active, productive, and dignified aging (SMART). It incorporates seven key dimensions of resilient aging: physical, spiritual, emotional, intellectual, social, environmental, and vocational aspects.
Minister Wihaji also highlighted the program’s role in addressing mental health issues among the elderly, particularly loneliness. “To prevent loneliness, it is essential for seniors to maintain social connections, especially with family and their communities, so they can express their thoughts and engage in diverse activities,” he explained.
Elderly populations
Currently, Indonesia’s elderly population accounts for 11.7% of the total population—approximately 25 million people out of 282 million. According to Wihaji, this demographic shift presents an opportunity if managed effectively.
“Indonesia’s aging population can be an asset if older individuals remain productive and continue contributing to the national economy,” he stated.
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The Pintar Online Elderly School adopts a multi-stakeholder “pentahelix” approach, involving universities, health and social services agencies, sub-district officials, and local community leaders. The program will utilize the website timur.jakarta.go.id as its communication platform under the coordination of East Jakarta’s Communications and Informatics Office.
Key objectives of the program include enhancing senior citizens knowledge of health, improving their happiness index, boosting their quality of life and productivity, and fostering independence across various aspects of daily living.
Additionally, all participants will undergo health screenings, and structured educational materials will be provided, covering multiple dimensions of aging. With the Elderly School initiative, the Government hopes improve senior citizens well being in Indonesia.
(Raidi/Agung)
