Demographic and socioeconomic changes are driving a global increase in the demand for care work. This trend is influenced by shifts in family ties and structures, the growing number of small households, and the increasing participation of women in the workforce (ILO, 2018). Despite their role as workers, women remain the primary caregivers, making the imbalance between their domestic and professional workloads a persistent challenge. A similar trend is observed in Indonesia and is projected to continue rising in the future.
Recent evidence suggests a shift in the demand for care. Specifically, in the case of Indonesia, the younger generation holds a more flexible view on paid care services for their family members (Heriyanto et al., 2023b; Heriyanto et al., 2023a).
However, changes in care work needs are not only shaped by social norms, but also by broader socioeconomic dynamics. For instance, the “sandwich generation” (Miller, 1981) seems to view childcare or older people’s care facilities as providing better care options for their family members, as they are unable to provide it due to their work commitments.
In response to these developments, SMERU conducted this study to map the factors influencing shifts in the demand for childcare, older people’s care, and disability care in Indonesia. The study also provides strategic recommendations for developing the care economy ecosystem. This research is part of a multicountry study coordinated by the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership (GIWL) at the Australian National University, supported by Investing in Women, an initiative of the Australian Government. Two country partners of this study are the Mekong Development Research Institute (MDRI) from Vietnam and Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) from the Philippines.
This study aims to provide strategic recommendations to support the development of a care economy ecosystem in Indonesia in response to the evolving demand for childcare, older people’s care, and disability care through two stages.
First, it will identify the supporting and inhibiting factors for individuals seeking access to quality care. Second, it will examine the roles and contributions of key stakeholders in both the public and private sectors.
This research also aims to fill the lacuna in discussions on care economy in Indonesia. This research is expected to produce practical and theoretical knowledge to support the development of the care economy ecosystem in the country. The findings will be compiled into a comprehensive report to enhance research literacy among the Indonesian public and policy briefs to effectively communicate key findings to policymakers. The study team will also contribute to a multinational research report developed by GIWL ANU.
This study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative analysis of primary data with quantitative analysis of secondary data. It is further supported by a literature review and policy analysis related to care work in Indonesia. The primary data collection is conducted through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) at both national and regional levels.
The data collection at the national level involve key stakeholders from various sectors, including government institutions, nongovernmental organizations, the private sector, professional organizations, labor unions, and academia. Meanwhile, the data collection at the regional level involves community leaders, representatives from different generations, including Baby Boomers (born in 1946–1964), Generation X (born in 1965–1979), Generation Y (born in 1980–1994), and Generation Z (born in 1995–2009), government institutions, nongovernmental organizations, the private sector, professional organizations, and academia.
The data collection focuses on mapping key actors and the factors influencing the availability and demand for care work in Indonesia, particularly in the areas of childcare, older people’s care, and disability care. This mapping is further enriched through an intergenerational analysis to understand how changing social norms and socioeconomic contexts shape the evolving needs and demand for care work.
