RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - World Population Day, observed annually on July 11, highlights the importance of investing in young people as countries navigate profound demographic changes, from declining fertility rates to ageing populations. The annual observance underscores the need for policies that empower the next generation while addressing the social and economic challenges posed by shifting population trends.

This year's theme emphasizes young people's hopes and aspirations, urging governments to ensure they have the freedom, opportunities and support to shape their futures. In his World Population Day message, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said young people are inheriting a world challenged by conflict, inequality, climate change and rapid technological change, yet continue to emerge as leaders and innovators.

"We must match their determination with greater investments in education, sexual and reproductive health, decent work and real participation in decision-making," Guterres said as quoted by the UN's press release on June 29, 2026. He stressed that empowering young people is essential to building more peaceful, inclusive and resilient societies.

The message is reinforced by the United Nations Population Fund's (UNFPA) latest “Lives, Choices and Futures” report, which surveyed more than 108,000 people aged 18 to 39 across 73 countries. The findings challenge the perception that young adults no longer want families. Instead, the report found that most respondents still hope to marry or live with a partner, while two children remains the ideal family size in most regions.

Rather than a lack of desire for parenthood, the survey points to economic realities as the main obstacle. Financial security, stable employment and affordable housing emerged as the top factors influencing decisions about partnership and having children, suggesting that demographic trends are increasingly shaped by living conditions rather than personal preferences.

Indonesia's demographic transition reflects many of these global developments. According to the country's 2025 Intercensal Population Survey (SUPAS 2025) released May 2026, the total fertility rate has declined to 2.13 births per woman, while population growth has slowed to an average of 1.08 percent annually over the past five years.

At the same time, Indonesia has officially entered the ageing population phase, with older adults now accounting for 11.97 percent of the population. The survey also recorded continued improvements in public health, with infant mortality falling to 14.12 deaths per 1,000 live births and maternal mortality continuing to decline.

As countries commemorate World Population Day, Indonesia's demographic profile underscores the global message that responding to population change requires more than focusing on birth rates. Creating opportunities for young people through education, healthcare, employment and social protection will be critical to ensuring they can achieve their aspirations while supporting long-term economic and social development.