UII Launches Indonesia’s First University-Based Elderly School

UII Launches Indonesia’s First University-Based Elderly School
KOTAGEDE, Yogyakarta – Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII), in collaboration with the National Population and Family Planning Agency (BKKBN) of the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY), officially launched the first university-based elderly school in Indonesia. The launching ceremony was held at the Public Green Open Space (RTHP) Bumen RW 06, Purbayan Subdistrict, Kotagede District, Yogyakarta City, on Wednesday, February 26, 2025.

This Elderly School was established as a solution for the more than 1,000 elderly residents living in Purbayan, including 58 seniors requiring regular assistance for long-term care. The symbolic inauguration was marked by the presentation of ceremonial sashes to two elderly students by UII Rector Fathul Wahid and Muhammad Iqbal Apriansyah, SH, MPH, Head of BKKBN DIY.

UII Becomes Pioneer of University-Based Elderly School
In his remarks, UII Rector Fathul Wahid emphasized that the establishment of this elderly school reflects the university’s commitment to understanding social issues and potentials within the community.

“Elderly people want to remain independent and not be a burden to others. With a supportive ecosystem, everyone can age gracefully, feeling cared for,” said Fathul.

He also highlighted the importance of social interaction for the elderly. Sharing a personal experience from his time living in Bandung, he recounted how he frequently visited his landlady just for a chat.

“I didn’t bring any gifts, yet I was always sent home with food and snacks. Elderly people need someone to talk to,” he added.

BKKBN Support and Hopes for Nationwide Replication
Head of BKKBN DIY, Muhammad Iqbal Apriansyah, stated that Sekolah Lansia Maharani is the first elderly school in Indonesia to be run by a university and expressed hope that it could serve as a national model.

“There are already 16 elderly schools in DIY funded by state and regional budgets, and community initiatives. However, this is the first initiated by a university, located in Kalurahan Purbayan. We plan to promote this model for nationwide implementation,” said Iqbal.

He explained that the school curriculum consists of 12 learning modules delivered in 12 sessions, typically held once a month. Through this program, elderly participants have the opportunity to engage with peers, especially since many of them experience loneliness at home due to the busy lives of their children and grandchildren.

“From previous experiences with other elderly schools, we’ve seen very positive changes. Participants become more cheerful, talkative, and open. Physically, they are more active too, especially through sessions like elderly-friendly exercise classes,” he noted.

Thematic KKN Expo and UII Students’ Role in Elderly Empowerment
The launching of Sekolah Lansia Maharani also coincided with the Thematic KKN Expo on Integrated Elderly Care Services (LLT), part of UII’s community service programs in celebration of its 82nd anniversary.

Fathul shared that UII’s Thematic KKN has reached over 100 villages in six to seven regencies across Central Java and Yogyakarta. In this program, students are not only educators but also community partners who identify local potentials and challenges to design sustainable solutions.

“We always regard villages as partners, not as passive beneficiaries. Our goal is to grow together by understanding and supporting their strengths and needs,” he said.

A Vision for the Future of Elderly Education
The launch of Sekolah Lansia Maharani marks UII’s initial step in creating an elderly-friendly ecosystem. With ongoing support from higher education institutions and the government, it is hoped that similar schools can be established across Indonesia.

“We hope this school becomes a model for other regions. Since we will all become elderly someday, it is vital to prepare a caring and supportive environment,” concluded Fathul.

Through Sekolah Lansia Maharani, it is hoped that the elderly in Purbayan and surrounding areas will have access to meaningful learning, social engagement, and improved quality of life in their golden years.

(Widodo)

Photo Caption:
Ceremonial presentation of sashes to two elderly representatives of Sekolah Lansia Maharani by UII Rector, marking the official launch (Photo: Widodo)