Children account for nearly one-third of Indonesia’s population, making them one of the country’s most important long-term assets. Yet unequal access to education, health care, and opportunities for participation continues to limit many children’s ability to reach their full potential, according to research discussed by a Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) population expert.
Basilica Dyah Putranti, a researcher at UGM’s Center for Population and Policy Studies (PSKK), said Indonesia must invest not only in children’s education and health but also in creating an inclusive environment where every child has the opportunity to develop their talents and contribute to society.
“Children are an investment in the future. They will eventually become part of the productive population and help sustain society over the long term,” she said during the podcast Children as the Future Population: Between Vulnerability and Resilience on Friday (July 24).
Putranti, who is widely known as Lica, explained that Indonesia is entering a new demographic phase.
While the country once experienced rapid population growth, it is now seeing declining birth rates alongside a steadily growing elderly population.
“The demographic challenge has changed. We are no longer dealing with a population boom. Today, Indonesia is experiencing population aging while the number of children and birth rates continue to decline,” she said.
These demographic shifts, she added, make investments in today’s children increasingly important because they will shape Indonesia’s future workforce and social development.
Rather than viewing children simply as population statistics, policymakers should recognize each child as an individual with unique talents and enormous potential.
“We should see every child as someone whose abilities can be nurtured so they can contribute meaningfully to society,” she said.
According to Lica, children’s well-being should be assessed holistically, covering physical health, psychosocial development, education, and social support.
Research conducted by PSKK UGM in Jakarta and the Special Region of Yogyakarta found stunting prevalence of 17.2 percent and 17.4 percent, respectively.
She said the similar figures reflect relatively good health-care services in both regions, supported by declining infant mortality rates.
Nevertheless, she warned that equitable access to health services remains a challenge in many parts of Indonesia.
“There are still children, particularly in underdeveloped regions, who do not yet have adequate access to health insurance and quality health services,” she said.
Education presents another major concern.
Although school participation remains relatively high in Jakarta and Yogyakarta, participation among adolescents aged 16 to 18 falls to around 88 percent.
Nationally, the situation is even more concerning, with an overall participation rate of only about 74 percent.
“Many young people lose opportunities to continue their education just as they are approaching productive age,” Lica said.
She stressed that expanding access to upper secondary education is essential for preparing Indonesia’s future workforce and improving the country’s long-term human capital.
Beyond improving education and health services, Lica emphasized the importance of creating an inclusive environment where children can actively participate in decisions affecting their lives.
“If we want to design child-friendly cities, children themselves should be involved in the discussion rather than simply becoming the target of policies,” she said.
She linked this approach to the principles of Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI), which encourage equal participation and opportunities for every member of society.
Lica emphasized that genuine inclusion begins by listening to children’s perspectives and ensuring their voices are reflected in policymaking.
“The essence of inclusion is making sure we truly listen to what children think,” she concluded.
Author: Agito Sitepu
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-Editor: Priyanandaningrat
Photo: Wahanavisi.org