2026 Economic Census to Target Women Entrepreneurs, Map Their Role in the Economy

The Central Statistics Agency (BPS), the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (Kemen PPPA), and PT Permodalan Nasional Madani (PNM) have officially launched a collaboration for the 2026 Economic Census (SE2026). The event, themed ‘Empowered Women Building the Economy of Indonesia’, marks the initial step in a joint effort by the three institutions to capture the real contribution of women ultra-micro entrepreneurs to the national economic structure, while strengthening future policy directions for women’s empowerment.

According to BPS data, the female labour force participation rate in Indonesia has reached approximately 56 per cent, with around 32 per cent of these women being entrepreneurs. The 2026 Economic Census, the fifth conducted by BPS and held every ten years, will take place from May to August 2026. The strategic collaboration with the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection and PNM is considered vital as it directly targets the customer base of PNM Mekaar, the majority of whom are women running ultra-micro businesses across various remote regions of the country.

Through accurate and up-to-date data from this census, the three institutions hope to formulate more targeted women’s economic empowerment policies in the future. Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Arifatul Choiri Fauzi praised the PNM Mekaar customers, stating that these women are heroes making significant contributions to strengthening their families’ livelihoods. ‘They are family heroes and national heroes. We must appreciate these women who never stay silent when it comes to family matters,’ she said.

Echoing this sentiment, Head of BPS Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti highlighted the tangible role of PNM Mekaar customers as a representation of empowered women in Indonesia. ‘These women are examples of empowered women and contributors to the Indonesian economy. The female labour force participation rate, including entrepreneurs, has increased to 56 per cent, and 32 per cent of them are entrepreneurs, like the Mekaar women,’ she stated.

PNM President Director Kindaris emphasised the importance of cross-institutional collaboration in strengthening the role of women. He noted that women are not only the backbone of their families but also drivers of the economy at both regional and national levels.