PEMATANGSIANTAR | INDATANEWS.COM – The City Government of Pematangsiantar has officially launched the "Lanjut Usia Berdaya" (Empowered Elderly) program during the 30th National Elderly Day (HLUN) 2026 commemoration. The event was held on Friday, May 29, 2026, at the UPT Social Service Center for Deaf, Speech-Impaired, and Elderly Persons (TRW & LU) in Pematangsiantar.
The annual HLUN celebration carried the theme of strengthening the role of older persons and served as a platform to enhance collaboration between the UPT TRW & LU and the city's Family Welfare Movement (TP PKK).
Strengthening Social Responsibility for the Elderly
The event was attended by the Head of the North Sumatra Provincial Social Affairs Office, Ilyan Chandra Simbolon, the Chairperson of TP PKK
Pematangsiantar, local government officials, representatives from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, social workers, community leaders, and dozens of elderly participants.
In his remarks, Ilyan Chandra Simbolon emphasized that HLUN serves as an important reminder to increase attention toward older people who have contributed significantly to families, communities, and the nation.
He stressed the importance of creating a senior-friendly environment, while improving healthcare services and promoting independence among the elderly.
"We must create an environment that is friendly to older persons, improve their health services, and strengthen their independence and productivity," he said.
SOCIAL COMMITMENT TO THE ELDERLY: Head of North Sumatra Social Affairs Office, Ilyan Chandra Simbolon, emphasizes the role of older persons as valuable social assets of the nation. (PHOTO: Doc.
Pematangsiantar Communication and Information Office)
Indonesia Faces Aging Population ShiftIlyan also highlighted Indonesia's ongoing demographic transition toward an aging society, with the number of elderly citizens steadily increasing. He noted that elderly welfare is a shared responsibility between the government, families, the private sector, and society.
He further underlined that older persons should not be viewed as a burden, but as valuable social assets.
"Elderly people are not weak or a burden to society. They are a source of wisdom, role models in life, and valuable social capital who can remain productive and contribute," he added.
Economic Empowerment Through Lemongrass CultivationAs part of the "Lanjut Usia Berdaya" initiative, Ilyan announced a new economic empowerment project for seniors. The land at the UPT facility, previously planted with oil palm, will be converted for lemongrass cultivation, including citronella varieties.
The plants will be processed into essential lemongrass oil, which has high economic value and export potential.
"We will empower the elderly to produce lemongrass oil. The former oil palm area will be replanted with lemongrass," he said.
He added that seniors will receive training in distillation techniques so they can independently produce essential oil products.
The program was officially inaugurated by TP PKK Chairperson of Pematangsiantar, Ny. Liswati Wesly Silalahi.
The HLUN celebration also featured creative competitions, including balloon dance contests, word games, storytelling, and fashion shows, all of which were enthusiastically participated in by elderly attendees.
(IDNC)REPORTER: Darmailawati | EDITOR: Fik Sagala