Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung expressed his full support for Jakarta senior citizens to continue their education. He made this statement while attending the grand graduation ceremony of the Senior School Pintar (SPP) at the provincial level, held at Sasono Utomo Hall, Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII), East Jakarta, on Thursday (9/18).

A total of 1,618 seniors graduated at the event, with the oldest female graduate aged 87 and the oldest male graduate aged 80. The senior education program is organized in collaboration with Respati Indonesia University.

"We also hope that today's collaboration with Respati Indonesia University continues. We will fully support it because this is how we can bring joy and honor to Jakarta's senior citizens," he said.

He praised the senior graduates for their strong determination to pursue education at their age, stating that senior schools will become an essential need for Jakarta residents in the future.

With Jakarta's senior population reaching 1,167,000 people or about 10.6 percent of the total population, Pramono hopes to expand senior schools and make them available in every urban village.

"Therefore, I have asked PPAPP Agency Head, Mrs. Iin, to ensure schools like this are established in all urban villages, in collaboration with local universities, including Respati Indonesia University," he added.

Senior school provides a space for elderly residents to meet, interact, and maintain their well-being. According to Pramono, the Jakarta Provincial Government is committed to supporting the senior citizens through initiatives such as Elderly Card program and free public transportation services.

He encouraged all senior citizens in Jakarta to take full advantage of these benefits so they can enjoy greater mobility and convenience in accessing public transportation, which is now more reliable and comfortable.

"All seniors in Jakarta can now ride public transport for free. But they must register first," he mentioned.

Jakarta Empowerment, Child Protection, and Population Control (PPAPP) Agency Head, Iin Mutmainnah, explained that Senior School Pintar (SSP) program is based on Law (UU) No. 13/1998 on Elderly Welfare and BKKBN Regulation No. 13/2019 on Elderly Family Development.

Senior school is part of the Elderly Family Development program run by the Jakarta PPAPP Agency in collaboration with pentahelix components.

"The aim is to develop elderly individuals who are resilient, productive, independent, healthy, and dignified, based on the 7 Dimensions of Resilient Seniors through improved knowledge and skills in health, religion, social, culture, and other sectors," she said.

Currently, the Jakarta Provincial Government operates 75 senior schools, 10 of which conduct in-person classes, while the remaining 65 schools under the SSP program in East Jakarta implement a hybrid learning method. 

"They've already been taught digital literacy," she added.

The grand graduation event is meant to acknowledge the learning journey of the elderly participants and to motivate them to remain active, healthy, happy, and productive in their communities.

Meanwhile, Etty Taryono (87), the oldest female graduate of SSP from Ujung Menteng Urban Village, Cakung, East Jakarta, said she was proud to have completed her education and joined the graduation ceremony.

"This is something I never imagined. We're incredibly happy and grateful for all that we've gained at this age," she expressed.

She shared that the program gave her many valuable experiences, including the opportunity to interact with peers her age.

"This program brings joy and motivation to all elderly participants, showing that being a senior is not a limitation. We can still be productive, stay active in the workforce, and contribute to our beloved country," she mentioned.

Another senior graduate, Siswo Subroto (80), a resident of Cipinang Urban Village, shared that he had a meaningful experience during his time at the senior school. He focused on learning about health and electronics.

He hopes the knowledge he gained can benefit his community and those around him.

"The facilities provided by the urban village are quite good. Very satisfying for all of us," he said.