Tasikmalaya, 16 September 2026 — The Ministry of Manpower, through its Directorate of Special Labour Placement, has partnered with the Australia–Indonesia Partnership Towards an Inclusive Society (INKLUSI) to pilot the Placement and Empowerment of Potential Older Workers Module in Tasikmalaya City, West Java. Conducted through a focus group discussion, the pilot involved local government representatives, civil society organisations, businesses and older people’s groups.
The module was developed as a reference for employment service providers in helping older people access employment and business opportunities suited to their experience, skills, abilities and needs. The pilot gathered input from different stakeholders to ensure that the module is practical and responsive to conditions on the ground.
The module has become increasingly important as Indonesia’s population structure changes. By 2035, older people are projected to account for more than 15 per cent of the country’s population. Many still want to work or run businesses but face limited access to employment opportunities, gaps in digital skills and age-based stigma.
Rahayu Sri Palupi, the Ministry of Manpower’s Coordinator for Older Workers, expressed her appreciation for the support provided by different stakeholders throughout the module’s development and pilot testing.
“We hope the experiences and expertise shared during this activity will enrich our understanding and inform the module’s implementation. Let us make this activity part of our shared commitment to creating opportunities for older workers to remain economically active in line with their skills and potential, regardless of age,” she said.
Deni Diyana, Head of the Tasikmalaya City Manpower Office, said he hoped the pilot’s findings would inform further study and follow-up action to expand employment opportunities for different groups in the community. Cross-sector collaboration, he added, is essential to strengthening the capacity and economic empowerment of older workers.
In Tasikmalaya City and Tasikmalaya Regency, INKLUSI and ‘Aisyiyah promote more inclusive employment and economic empowerment, including for older people and people with disabilities. Support includes skills training, work readiness, business mentoring and expanded access to employment and business opportunities.
Through the Bina Usaha Ekonomi Keluarga ‘Aisyiyah (BUEKA) programme, older people’s groups have developed a range of businesses based on local potential. These include producing rengginang, or traditional rice crackers, and growing hydroponic crops in Tanjungpura Village; livestock farming in Cineam, Sariwangi and Cigalontang; and making knitted hats with CV Karina for export to Japan.
In Kawalu, Tasikmalaya City, ‘Aisyiyah has also developed an Age-Friendly Village in partnership with the Agriculture and Fisheries Office. Through fish farming and vegetable cultivation, older people can help strengthen local food availability while earning additional income.
Suniawati Kartini, Coordinator of the INKLUSI–‘Aisyiyah Programme in Tasikmalaya City, said older people were still often perceived as being unable to contribute. Their experience in the programme has shown otherwise.
“Older people are often seen as no longer useful. Yet age is only a number. Their enthusiasm and abilities can still make a valuable contribution,” she said.
Rosmini, Chair of the ‘Aisyiyah Regional Executive Board in Tasikmalaya Regency, also stressed the importance of providing older people with appropriate opportunities and support.
“There have been no significant difficulties. Older people already have experience; they simply need the right platform and guidance,” she said.
In addition to the discussion, the pilot programme included visits to micro, small and medium enterprises and companies that engage older workers. The visits provided an opportunity to learn from workers and business owners while identifying the needs, opportunities and challenges involved in placing and empowering older workers.
Feedback from the discussion and field visits will inform further improvements to the module. It is expected to support employment services that are more inclusive, responsive to local needs, and respectful of the experience and potential of older workers.
The pilot also marks a step towards strengthening collaboration among government, civil society organisations, businesses and older people’s groups. With appropriate support and opportunities, age should not prevent anyone from continuing to contribute and earn an income.
