HARIANEXPRESS – Pak Darto, a former private company employee, found himself struggling financially at 60 after retiring at 56 without adequate pension preparation, despite years of stable income (30/7/2026).
Once admired at his workplace for over 30 years, Pak Darto enjoyed a comfortable life with a substantial salary and annual bonuses. He regularly took family vacations and maintained a well-off image.
However, he overlooked one crucial aspect: serious pension fund preparation. He believed that as long as his income flowed, old age was a distant concern.
The situation drastically changed upon his retirement at 56. His steady monthly salary, which had been the family’s primary support for decades, abruptly ceased.
Although he received a significant severance package, much of it was spent covering family needs, children’s education costs, and various deferred expenses. Within a few years, his remaining savings began to dwindle rapidly, while living costs continued relentlessly.
By age 60, Pak Darto felt the mounting pressure intensely. He pursued various odd jobs, including freelance consulting and assisting friends’ businesses, to meet daily needs.
His income, however, was highly inconsistent. Some months provided enough, but more often, his earnings fell far short of what was required, causing sleepless nights filled with financial calculations and bill worries.
A significant source of Pak Darto’s anxiety is Indonesia’s current life expectancy, estimated at around 73 years. This means he anticipates needing to support himself for more than a decade without a steady income source.
He considered taking on debt but feared inability to repay due to his erratic earnings. He also felt reluctant to ask his children for help, worried about becoming a burden.
His recurring internal question, “Bagaimana jika uang ini habis sebelum usia saya berakhir?” became a daily stressor. His story highlights a common reality for many workers.
While still productive and earning well, retirement is often perceived as a distant future. Without sufficient pension funds, individuals risk losing financial independence in their later years.
A once stable life can transform into an old age filled with uncertainty, anxiety, and dependence on others. Therefore, preparing for a pension is not merely about saving; it is about preserving dignity, peace of mind, and quality of life in old age.
The author, Syarif Yunus, a lecturer at Unindra and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of DPLK Sinarmas AM, among other roles, emphasizes the urgency of this preparation. He advises individuals to prepare for retirement using digital DPLK applications like “SimPensiun.”
