{
    "success": true,
    "data": {
        "id": 1841694,
        "msgid": "semarang-economic-census-target-missed-as-residents-fear-tax-implications-1783241465",
        "date": "2026-07-05 14:35:45",
        "title": "Semarang Economic Census Target Missed as Residents Fear Tax Implications",
        "author": "Mas Alamil Huda",
        "source": "REPUBLIKA",
        "tags": "",
        "topic": "Economy",
        "summary": "The 2026 Economic Census in Semarang is falling short of its targets as many residents refuse to disclose their income, fearing the data will be used to increase their tax burden. The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) has clarified that the collected data is solely for statistical purposes and aims to reflect the true state of the local economy. Authorities are now working with local officials to reassure the public and improve response rates.",
        "content": "<p>The head of the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) for Semarang City,\nRudi Cahyono, has revealed that the implementation of the 2026 Economic\nCensus in the region is facing significant obstacles. A primary issue is\nthe reluctance of many residents to provide information about their\nincome due to concerns it could lead to higher tax levies.<\/p>\n<p>Rudi explained that the data gathered in the 2026 Economic Census is\nstrictly for statistical purposes. However, the questionnaire does\ninclude items regarding income, expenditure, and consumption patterns.\n\u201cSo the public is worried, thinking, \u2018Oh, this must be related to\ntaxes.\u2019 This is one of the reasons why some residents have not been\nwilling to receive census officers,\u201d Rudi said in an interview on\nSunday.<\/p>\n<p>More specifically, Rudi noted that residents who refuse to\nparticipate in the census fear that disclosing their income will result\nin increased tax assessments. \u201cIf their income is known, they think they\nwill become a target for higher taxes,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n<p>Rudi added that the public is now more aware of data privacy and\nsecurity issues, which contributes to their hesitation during interviews\nwith census officers. These field challenges have caused the census to\nmiss its initial targets. \u201cFor the first two weeks, our target was 20\npercent. Currently, the completion rate is only around 16 percent,\u201d he\nsaid.<\/p>\n<p>To address these issues, BPS Semarang is collaborating with local\nneighbourhood (RT) and community (RW) leaders to conduct outreach and\nexplain the objectives of the 2026 Economic Census. Rudi appealed\ndirectly to the public, urging them to welcome census officers and\nstressing that the information collected is used exclusively to\naccurately portray the nation\u2019s economic conditions.<\/p>",
        "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/semarang-economic-census-target-missed-as-residents-fear-tax-implications-1783241465",
        "image": ""
    },
    "sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
    "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}