The 2024 Asia-Pacific Regional Conference on Population Ageing and the Local Government Forum:  Reframing Ageing

The Asia-Pacific region is currently experiencing a significant demographic shift as its population ages. This presents both challenges and opportunities. While older persons require care, health services, and social protection, they can also actively contribute to society and the economy when properly prepared. Indonesia, in particular, has been successful in extending life expectancy and reducing mortality, resulting in a rapid change in population structure. Indonesia has over 32.5 million older people, making up 11.75% of the population. By 2045, this share is expected to grow to more than 19%.

The 2024 Asia-Pacific Regional Conference (APRC) on Population Ageing in Bali, held from 11 to 13 September, brought together about 500 delegates from 38 countries. Participants included experts, policymakers, members of the United Nations (UN), international agencies, and civil society leaders from across the region. The conference explored the theme of Reframing Ageing and foster dialogue on strategies that prioritize fairness and equity for present and future older generations.

The Local Government Forum: A Platform for Policy Innovation

A highlight of the APRC was the Local Government Forum on Older People Policies on 11th September 2024. It was designed with three main objectives: first, to create a space for current innovations and best practices in elderly care policies; second, to foster strategic collaboration between stakeholders from different countries; and third, to build a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the elderly in different contexts.

The forum brought together over 400 participants from local government representatives, civil society, development partners, and the private sector. It served as a platform for policymakers to work together to create a future where ageing is not a time of vulnerability but a time of continued growth and opportunity.

The PAITUA Program: A Case Study in Supporting the Elderly

The forum highlighted the social protection program presented by Acting Governor of Southwest Papua, known as PAITUA, which SKALA is supporting in Papua Barat Daya. PAITUA aims to improving the welfare of elderly Papuans, especially those from Indigenous groups, through cash transfers.

Under PAITUA, individuals aged 65 and above receive a monthly cash transfer of IDR 250,000 to help alleviate poverty and meet their basic needs. PAITUA aims to improve the quality of life for the elderly and  ease the financial burden of care on their families. Since its launch in July 2023, over 4,000 beneficiaries have received their monthly allocations, despite challenges unique to the local context of Papua Barat Daya.

The program was modelled after the success of BANGGA-Papua (Building a Prosperous Papuan Family and Generation program), a successful cash transfer initiative for children aged four years and below. SKALA provided technical assistance to design the PAITUA program, helped establish operational guidelines, and facilitated the initial distribution of funds. PAITUA continues to evolve as SKALA works with the provincial government to address challenges, update beneficiary data, and refine financial administration processes.

As part of the broader conference theme, PAITUA  served as a practical example of how local governments, with the right support, can implement targeted social protection programs that directly address the needs of vulnerable populations, particularly in remote areas with challenging contexts. PAITUA is also an example of how decentralized governance can be leveraged to provide effective and timely services to marginalized communities.

Moving Forward: A Call for Collaborative Action

As the conference ended, a key message emerged across the discussions: fostering collaboration is key to addressing the challenges of ageing populations. Governments, civil society, and the private sector can work together to ensure that older people can live with dignity, independence, and security. The Local Government Forum showcased an array of policy innovations, from Indonesia’s PAITUA program to broader regional efforts in Thailand and beyond. These innovations could be adapted and scaled to meet the needs of ageing societies across the Asia-Pacific. In conclusion, the 2024 Asia-Pacific Regional Conference on Population Ageing and the Local Government Forum highlighted the need for continued dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders to develop effective policies for the elderly. Initiatives like PAITUA are demonstrating how local governments can address the challenges of population ageing in a decentralized governance context. By reframing ageing as an opportunity rather than a challenge, the region is taking significant steps toward creating inclusive and equitable societies where older generations are valued and supported.