5 Key Insights on Ageing from the DBS Foundation Impact Beyond Dialogue
Indonesia stands at a critical demographic juncture. While the country continues to benefit from a demographic bonus driven by a large, working-age population, this advantage will gradually give way to an ageing reality. By 2045, the proportion of older adults is projected to surpass 20 per cent—reshaping demands on healthcare, employment, family structures, and social support systems.
The Impact Beyond Dialogue aimed to surface Indonesia’s readiness gap, reframe ageing as a whole-of-society issue, and catalyse cross-sector action to ensure longevity is accompanied by health, dignity, and purpose. By anchoring discussions around wellness, productive longevity, inclusive systems, and family support, the dialogue sought to move Indonesia from demographic advantage to long-term ageing preparedness—ensuring that progress towards Golden Indonesia 2045 remains both sustainable and inclusive.
Here are the five key takeaways from the Dialogue:
1. The 10-Year Healthy Life Gap
Indonesia must prioritise "Healthy Life Expectancy" (HALE) to ensure extra years are spent in wellness. Prof. Dante Saksono Harbuwono, Vice Minister of Health, RI pointed out: "Life expectancy in Indonesia has reached 72.39 years, but the HALE is only 63 years. This means nearly 10 of those years may not be spent in good health. It is a priority to ensure that the elderly live healthy and high-quality lives."
2. Bridging the Financial Knowledge Gap
Banking solutions must evolve to address the retirement planning needs of all generations "Our survey data reveals a serious knowledge gap—although 74% of Indonesians say they have a retirement plan, 36% of young people aged 22-27 don't know how to start... Inclusivity for the elderly must be reflected in banking solutions." emphasised by Lim Chu Chong, President Director, Bank DBS Indonesia.
3. Learning from Regional Silver Pioneers
Tapping into global best practices to accelerate Indonesia's infrastructure readiness. "Indonesia can learn from countries like Japan, Singapore, and Australia, which have faced these challenges earlier. We need stronger collaboration between the government, private sector, and community." said Benjamin Cass, President Director, Living Well Seniors Communities.
4. Ageing as a Productive Chapter
“69% of the population is open to working after retirement, reflecting a mindset shift from seeing retirement as the end of a career to viewing it as a new, productive chapter." said Lim Chu Chong, President Director, Bank DBS Indonesia.
Retirement is being reimagined as a time for continued contribution rather than withdrawal.
5. Scaling for Dignity
Partnerships must create innovative, high-touch solutions that ensure seniors age with joy and social connectivity. Karen Ngui, Head of DBS Foundation, shared: “Through initiatives like Impact Beyond Dialogue, DBS Foundation aims to shift the narrative from seeing the elderly as a burden to recognising them as part of the solution."
Preparing for the Golden Indonesia 2045 Vision
The dialogue reinforced that ageing readiness is a shared responsibility. Government policy must be matched by private sector investment and strengthened by community participation to build inclusive systems that support an ageing population.
It also underscored growing pressure on the “sandwich generation,” many of whom feel unprepared to manage caregiving and financial demands. As Indonesia advances towards its Golden Vision 2045, accelerating investment in community-based care models and financial and digital literacy will be critical to ensuring families are supported and no generation is left behind.