Inequality of Access to Social Welfare Programs for Older People in Indonesia

Little research attention has been given to investigating inequalities in access to social rights for older women and men in rural Indonesia. This paper aims to analyse the extent of access of older adults to the elements of the social welfare program, the determinants of exclusion from these programs and how existing programs can be improved. Data is drawn from the Ageing in Rural Indonesian Study (ARIS). The Indonesian government has made efforts to fulfil the social rights of older adults. However, logistic regression analysis indicates significant variation and inequalities in access to government services among rural older adults depending on sex, region and social class. The extent of access is influenced by the state’s approach and certain cultural assumptions in the local communities. The state influence works through the way programs are organized and provided. This paper also highlights the challenges that affect the quality of services for older adults, including very limited coverage, underfunding, poor targeting, decentralization and lack of integration, and poorly prepared health care workers.