BPS Assures 2026 Economic Census Data Solely for Statistical Purposes

Statistics Indonesia (BPS) has assured that all data collected in the 2026 Economic Census will be used solely for statistical purposes and its confidentiality is guaranteed in accordance with applicable regulations. Head of BPS RI Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti stated in Palembang on Sunday that the public need not worry about providing data to census officers, as the information gathered will not be used for taxation or other levies. Accurate data will help the government formulate more targeted policies according to the needs of the community. “The data we collect will provide tremendous benefits to the community. The community will be recorded, meaning they will have a voice in policy. If the community is recorded, they will also not be missed for policy interventions from the government,” she said. To ensure the success of the 2026 Economic Census, BPS has deployed 7,588 officers who will conduct data collection across 17 regencies and cities in South Sumatra. To date, the implementation of the Economic Census in South Sumatra has reached approximately 20 per cent, whilst nationally the realisation has reached around 25 per cent. BPS also urged all officers to carry out their duties professionally, politely, and in accordance with training standards. Meanwhile, South Sumatra Governor Herman Deru stated that the success of the Economic Census requires the support of all parties, from regional governments down to the village level, census officers, and the public as respondents. “There are three components that must work exceptionally well. First, the regional government down to the village government; second, the census officers themselves; third, the community. We want to build based on targeted data; we cannot build merely based on taste and feeling,” he said.