Commemorating The 27th National Elderly Day, MoSA and Muhammadiyah Supports Productive and Prosperous Elderly

JAKARTA (June 6^th, 2023) – The oldest social organization in Indonesia, Muhammadiyah, has a similar vision to the government about elderly issues. The state and every nation’s element contribute to ensuring the prosperity and empowerment of the elderly.

In line with Law No. 13 of 1998 on Elderly Welfare, the state and the people build an environment supporting the elderly’s role in state development by taking care of their wisdom, knowledge, expertise, skill, experience, age, physical condition, and welfare level preservation.

Elderly issue covers a strategic dimension because it involves life expectancy, productivity, independence, and the welfare of the elderly. The elderly has the same rights in society, nation, and state.

Quoting data, the Chairman of the Social Welfare Development Council (MPKS) of PP Muhammadiyah, Mariman Darto, reminds us that the elderly population in 2022 reaches 17 million (10,48% of the total population). In 2045, it will be 63,3 million or 19,9% of the total population.

“It’s important for us to prepare anticipatory action towards elderly treatment. Muhammadiyah thinks that the elderly is not a burden. They have contributed to the state’s development,” he said in the commemoration of the 27^th National Elderly Day in Jakarta Islamic Hospital in Pondok Kopi on June 6^th.

Furthermore, the state and all elements of society need to mitigate the demography by using various programs enabling the elderly to stay productive by means of various positive activities.

The activity is a collaboration of MPKS PP Muhammadiyah, Jakarta Islamic Hospital in Pondok Kopi, and the Ministry of Social Affairs. The other activities are elderly healthy exercises, medical examinations, and aid distribution for the elderly by Ministry of Social Affairs, Small and Medium Enterprise (UMKM) Bazaar by Aisyiyah Regional Leader (PDA Aisyiyah).

“Thank you for Muhammadiyah and Aisyiyah’s trust in Jakarta Islamic Hospital in Pondok Kopi for carrying out activities useful for the elderly. I hope this cooperation will always continue in the future,” President Director of Pondok Umi Sjarqiah Jakarta Islamic Hospital.

On the occasion, Ministry of Social Affairs through Handayani Social Rehabilitation Center distributes assistance to four elderlies. The assistance given are one wheelchair, three tripod walking sticks, and decent life compliances such as basic foods, nutrition, and toiletries.

Special Staff to the Minister of Social Affairs of Relations and Partnerships with Overseas Institutions, Faozan Amar, appreciates related parties. “Thank you to Muhammadiyah-‘Aisyiyah and the Amal Usaha Muhamadiyah for having great concern for the elderly. If all components in the society have the same concern by honoring and taking care of the elderly, I think Indonesia will be a dignified country,” Faozan said.