MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA – The spirit of Al-Ma’un theology, deeply rooted in the social mission of Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah, continues to manifest through programs that prioritize vulnerable communities. One of the clearest expressions of this commitment is ‘Aisyiyah’s focus on protecting and empowering the elderly, a group that often experiences marginalization and neglect in social, economic, and even familial context.
To respond to this challenge, the Central Board of ‘Aisyiyah (PP ‘Aisyiyah), through Its Council for Social Welfare (MKS), has developed the ‘Aisyiyah Elderly Daycare (Daycare Lansia ‘Aisyiyah/DCLA), a structured community based service designed to enhance the well-being and rights of older adults.
The daycare is built to serve as integrated support hubs that provide educational, social, religious, medical, and recreational programs. According to Ro’fah, Vice Chairperson of MKS PP ‘Aisyiyah, the DCLA initiative is one of the flagship programs for the 2022-2027 leadership period.
Ro’fah stated that MKS PP ‘Aisyiyah has already established five pilot projects in Banda Aceh, Nganjuk, Banyumas, Tegal, and Bantul. These locations were chosen to represent diverse geographic and social context, allowing the program to evolve based on local needs and cultural characteristics.
The five pilot projects have also attracted a significant number of participants. Ro’fah noted that each daycare center now serves more than 50 beneficiaries, bringing the total number of older adults receiving support from DCLA to over 200.
“In every DCLA, we emphasize at least four key components. First, education, which includes Qur’an recitation and religious studies. Second, health, through routine check-ups, group exercise, and providing nutritious meals. Third, religious values, which guide all activities in ‘Aisyiyah. And fourth, recreation, which offers joy for the elderly through arts, craft, and simple cooking,” she explained.
Ro’fah also highlighted that the concept of Daycare Lansia differs greatly from a nursing home. The program operates more like a school, where older adults attend activities from 8 a.m. until around noon or early afternoon, depending on their condition.
“Activities start at 8 a.m., and in the afternoon they return home and come again the next day. This distinction is important: this is not a nursing home, but a place where older adults can interact, meet friends, and gain knowledge through structured educational and religious activities,” she added.
Ro’fah expressed hope for the expansion of DCLA, noting that many regions show strong potential for new centers. She hopes future development will allow ‘Aisyiyah to continue making a meaningful contribution to the well-being of older adults across Indonesia.
“We need clear and structured steps to build an inclusive society, one that fulfills the rights of all people, including the elderly, whose needs have not been widely accommodated. We have great potential to do this, and I hope our contributions can reach villages across Indonesia,” she concluded. (Bhisma)
