Every effort to strengthen the health system begins with one essential foundation: reliable data.

Indonesia’s population is ageing quickly. The number of older adults keeps rising, and in a few decades, they will make up a large share of our society. Longer life expectancy, however, does not always mean better health. Findings from the Indonesia Longitudinal Ageing Survey (ILAS) 2023 show that many older adults live with chronic disease, reduced physical ability, and growing dependence as they age.

Many continue to work in later life and depend on their families. Most live in multigenerational households, where care happens informally, often unpaid and carried out by women without proper support, training, or recognition.

ILAS helps us see this reality more clearly. Its longitudinal approach tracks individuals over time, showing how their health, needs, and daily lives change. The data reveals when support becomes necessary, what influences quality of life, and how social and economic conditions shape ageing in Indonesia.

The current data still needs to go further. It does not yet capture the full picture, how care arrangements evolve, how social and environmental factors interact, and what older adults experience day to day. Stronger, broader data can guide more precise and humane policies.

Arunala plays strategic role in promoting deeper use of ILAS. In the ILAS Phase 2 Forum, Sri Kusumastuti Rahayu from Arunala emphasized that data should not only describe situations but also reflect the real journey of ageing. It should show transitions, from independence to care, from informal family roles to structured systems, and include the stories behind the numbers.

This perspective aligns with the theme of World Health Day 2026: “Together for Health. Stand with Science.” Science is not only about collecting data but ensuring it informs fair, inclusive, and people-centered health policies.

ILAS provides a strong foundation for that work. Data can guide policy design, improve care systems, and ensure that growing older in Indonesia means living with health, dignity, and confidence. Arunala continues to bridge research insights with practical action, turning data into policies and services that improve everyday life for older Indonesians.

Starting with Data: Why ILAS Matters for Indonesia’s Ageing Future