2026 Economic Census: An Investment in Knowledge to Navigate National Development

Every day, the government makes decisions that affect the economy, from designing MSME development programmes and building infrastructure to expanding markets, creating capital, encouraging investment, and evaluating existing policies. To make the right decisions, the government needs to understand the actual state of the economy. The 2026 Economic Census is therefore vital, as it collects data from business actors and households across Indonesia. Data is knowledge that provides a complete and up-to-date picture of the national economic condition. This knowledge serves as a navigation tool for development. Like a GPS that helps determine direction, the results of the Economic Census help the government see where economic activity is growing, which sectors need attention, which regions need a boost, and which groups should be prioritised. Consequently, decisions are based on real conditions, not mere estimates. The benefits of the Economic Census do not end when data collection is complete. The greatest value of the census emerges when the data is used as a basis for decisions. The better the understanding, the more accurately needs can be identified. The success of the Economic Census depends heavily on public participation. Correct, complete, and honest answers will produce more accurate data. Accurate data enriches knowledge, clarifies the navigation of development, and helps produce strategically beneficial decisions. Conducting an Economic Census in Indonesia is not an easy task. Indonesia is an archipelagic country with a vast territory, diverse geographical conditions, and millions of business actors spread across even the most remote areas. To reach all these areas, the 2026 Economic Census involves around 251,000 officers who have undergone training with the same standards throughout Indonesia, from Sabang to Merauke. Implementing a census on a national scale requires a significant budget. For this reason, the Economic Census is held once every ten years, usually in the middle of the year. This economic census is also conducted by many other countries. Statistics Indonesia (BPS) has been preparing for the implementation of the Economic Census since 2024, a process spanning more than two years. The budget for the Economic Census is an investment in knowledge. This investment yields knowledge that serves as a navigation tool for Indonesia’s development. Its value lies not only in the costs incurred during data collection but in the benefits generated when the data is used to guide decisions—not just by the government, but also by business actors planning expansion, researchers providing recommendations, aspiring entrepreneurs starting their first business, MSMEs looking to scale up, and the public experiencing a quality economy.