2026 Economic Census: A Strategic Data Investment for National Development
The 2026 Economic Census (SE2026), conducted by Statistics Indonesia (BPS), is a strategic effort to obtain the latest portrait of the structure, characteristics, and distribution of economic activities across the country. As a national agenda held every ten years, the data produced is not merely statistical figures, but a primary asset for formulating more effective, evidence-based national development policies.
The SE2026 has a broad scope, recording all business activities outside the agricultural sector, from micro and small enterprises to large corporations. The data collection includes information on business characteristics, workforce, the use of digital technology, and the economic conditions of business actors. With more current and comprehensive data, the government has a strong foundation for designing fiscal policies, investment strategies, MSME development, and industrialisation, as well as for promoting equitable development between regions.
More than just a statistical activity, SE2026 represents a long-term investment in national development. A country with high-quality data is better able to identify economic potential, detect inequalities, and design policy interventions that suit the needs of specific regions and business sectors. Consequently, development programmes are no longer based on assumptions but on real conditions on the ground, making the use of the state budget more effective and targeted.
Census data also plays a vital role in enhancing Indonesia’s economic competitiveness. The government can map sectors with high growth potential, identify investment barriers, and design strategies for a digital and innovation-based economic transformation. Meanwhile, business actors benefit from the availability of more complete information on market conditions and the development of the national economic structure. SE2026 thus serves as a bridge between the policy needs of the government and the business world as the main driver of economic growth.
The success of SE2026 depends heavily on the active participation of the public and business actors. BPS, together with the central and regional governments, is strengthening coordination and public awareness campaigns to ensure the data collection process runs optimally across all regions of Indonesia. This cross-sector collaboration demonstrates that data-driven development is a shared responsibility to produce accurate, reliable, and high-quality statistical information.
In the era of the digital economy, data has become a strategic asset comparable to physical infrastructure. Developed countries use data as a foundation for economic policy, increasing productivity, and strengthening national competitiveness. Through SE2026, Indonesia is taking a similar step by building an economic database capable of addressing the challenges of economic transformation, technological developments, and changes in business behaviour in the future. This step also strengthens Indonesia’s readiness for its long-term development vision and a more inclusive economy.
Ultimately, the 2026 Economic Census is not just a data collection exercise, but a strategic investment in the nation’s future. Accurate data will lead to more precise policies, more equitable development, and more effective public services. Through the participation of all citizens and business actors, SE2026 is a tangible manifestation of Indonesia’s commitment to building a robust, competitive, and sustainable economy, ensuring that every policy taken is truly grounded in the reality of the national economic condition.