2026 Economic Census to Form Basis for Targeted MSME Policies
A member of Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) from the Golkar Party faction, Adela Kanasya Adies, has called on the public and business actors to participate in the 2026 Economic Census organised by Statistics Indonesia (BPS). She stated that the census will serve as the foundation for data-based policymaking, particularly to strengthen the empowerment of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Adela said economic development requires accurate data so that policies taken are in line with conditions on the ground. “The Economic Census is an important instrument to capture a comprehensive picture of Indonesia’s economic condition and becomes the basis for formulating development policies,” Adela said in her statement on Tuesday (4/8/2026).
According to her, the 2026 Economic Census will provide the latest overview of the business world, from micro-enterprises to large corporations, including the continuously growing digital economy. “Through the 2026 Economic Census, BPS will obtain a current picture of the business world, from micro to large enterprises, including the development of the digital economy,” she said.
Adela assessed that the census results will become a foothold in formulating evidence-based policies, including determining development priorities, fiscal policy, budget allocation, and evaluation of government programmes. She added that statistical data also serves as a reference for the DPR RI in carrying out its legislative, budgeting, and oversight functions. “For the DPR RI, statistical data is also an important foundation in carrying out legislative, budgeting, and oversight functions so that every policy produced truly answers the needs of the community,” she said.
According to Adela, the 2026 Economic Census will also capture changes in Indonesia’s economic structure over the last decade, including the development of digital-based business sectors and sectors requiring further attention. She mentioned that one of the main focuses of the census is to obtain more comprehensive data on MSMEs. This data includes the number and characteristics of business actors, regional distribution, types of businesses, level of digital technology utilisation, access to financing, and the various challenges faced.
Based on data from the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs, Indonesia has around 65 million MSME units. According to Adela, data accuracy through the 2026 Economic Census is a crucial factor so that MSME empowerment policies can be formulated according to needs in the field. She also assured the public not to worry about providing information to BPS officers because all data is guaranteed confidentiality in accordance with Law Number 16 of 1997 on Statistics and Law Number 27 of 2022 on Personal Data Protection.
“Let all members of the public and business actors actively participate in the 2026 Economic Census, which will end on 31 August 2026,” Adela said.