A step backwards

As the world is moving toward ever-greater openness and a freer flow of information, we appear to be taking a step backward. At present the State Secretariat is discussing details of a bill which could become highly controversial if enacted: namely a draft law to regulate statistics. In essence the new law is to oversee all activities that concern the collecting, processing, analyzing and dissemination of statistical data.

The draft also regulates the holding of censuses and surveys. Article 15, Chapter 2 of the draft law says: "Private institutions and individuals are required to report plans to hold surveys to the Central Bureau of Statistics." Those who are found violating this article are liable to be penalized with a one-year prison term and paying a maximum fine of Rp 25 million. Furthermore, whoever is found to intentionally and illicitly engage in the gathering and processing of statistics (holding censuses and surveys) is liable to receive a penalty of a maximum of two years in prison or payment of a maximum fine of Rp 50 million.

One can imagine the impact if this draft is passed into law. Private businesses rely heavily on statistical data. From the first phase of planning a product to its positioning and its launch, the function of a data base is of crucial importance. Part of the data is obtained from the Central Bureau of Statistics. However, much more data is obtained from the businesses' own research, survey departments or from other private companies specializing in collecting and processing data.

If all these activities have to be put under the coordination of the Central Bureau of Statistics, the snarls that might occur can be imagined. Worse, a climate of domination of information could arise -- for example if only one certain institution is given the right to collect, process and present data.

Whatever the purpose of the drafting of the new law, it is only proper for those who are involved in it to provide the public with some detailed information. No less important is that the public -- in particular independent researchers, private businesses and private research institutions -- should be given an opportunity to air their opinions. Hopefully, when the House of Representatives discusses the draft, the objections that have been expressed will be heard.

-- Republika, Jakarta