PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - Acting (Acting) Governor of West Java Bey Machmudin attended the commemoration of the 28th National Elderly Day (HLUN) at the West Java Provincial Level at Gedung Sate, Bandung City, Wednesday (19/6/2024).

During the event, Bey stated that the HLUN commemoration was a form of appreciation for the elderly who have contributed to building the nation and state.

"The elderly are a source of inspiration, knowledge and experience for the younger generation," said Bey in his speech.

Through the theme "Nu Anom Rumawat, Nu Sepuh Harebat", Bey reminded that the younger generation has a responsibility to care for and respect the elderly.

"Caring means providing love, attention and assistance to the elderly," said Bey. "Meanwhile respect means appreciating the services, experience and wisdom of the elderly," he added.

Bey also said that the West Java Provincial Government is committed to fulfilling the welfare rights of the elderly. This commitment is stated in West Java Province Regional Regulation (Perda) Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Implementation of Elderly Welfare.

"It is our government's job to take care of them (the elderly), I ask that at least these elderly people have BPJS and social assistance, and indeed the family must also participate (care for them)," he said.

Based on national data in March 2022, there were 5.7 million elderly people who were still working, both formal and informal jobs. Bey said West Java was ranked fourth in the national data.

"Based on the data, we are fourth, so there are still a lot of elderly people working, only a small amount in the formal sector, 20 percent. The rest is in the informal sector, such as shop entrepreneurs and farm workers," he said.

Bey asked the families of the elderly to care for and accompany the elderly. Don't let the elderly work as the backbone of the family.

"Basically, I want them (seniors) to work only to fill their activities but not to become the backbone of the family," he said. "There are still many (seniors) who are the backbone of the family, I am very concerned and sad," he added.

Bey invited the people of West Java not to abandon the elderly. Then, he also invited the elderly to be given love, attention and made an important part of society's life.

"To the elderly, I wish them health, happiness and prosperity. Let's build West Java friendly to the elderly," he said.