Social security scheme in Indonesia: an utopic programme?

This paper examines the case of Indonesia, a country without a social security system up until now. It argues that Indonesia will face a very difficult situation if the ageing population continues to increase as in 15 years time older people will outnumber the BALITA (under five year of age; where the ‘health fund’ is more allocated).

It further demonstrates that development of any social security programme is inevitably a long term process taking many years, perhaps longer than most because Indonesia’s ongoing financial problems may even mean that it takes a good deal longer than most.

The paper offers and overview of the Indonesian existing security system and examines the ongoing process for reform. It concludes that a Social Security Scheme begins as soon as possible; at that time where is it possible to provide the minimal requirement for the elderly within the context of ‘Healthy Ageing Project”, and with our cultural background, where the filial piety is obliged, it is possible to serve older people in a better way.