BPS Assures 2026 Economic Census Data Solely for Statistical Purposes

The Indonesian Central Statistics Agency (BPS) has ensured that all data collected during the 2026 Economic Census will be used solely for statistical purposes and its confidentiality is guaranteed in accordance with applicable regulations.

Speaking in Palembang on Sunday, the Head of BPS RI, Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti, stated that the public should not be concerned about providing information to census officers, as the gathered data will not be utilised for taxation or any other levies. She noted that accurate data would assist the government in formulating more precise policies tailored to the needs of the community.

“The data we collect will provide extraordinary benefits to the public. Being recorded means having a voice in policy-making. If the community is properly documented, they will not be overlooked when receiving government policy interventions,” she said.

To ensure the success of the 2026 Economic Census, BPS is deploying 7,588 officers to conduct data collection across 17 regencies and cities in South Sumatra. As of now, the implementation of the Economic Census in South Sumatra has reached approximately 20 per cent, while the national realisation stands at around 25 per cent. BPS has also urged all officers to perform their duties professionally, politely, and in accordance with training standards.

Meanwhile, the Governor of South Sumatra, Herman Deru, stated that the success of the Economic Census requires support from all parties, ranging from local governments to the village level, census officers, and the public as respondents. “There are three components that must work exceptionally well: first, the local government down to the village level; second, the census officers themselves; and third, the community. We want to build development that is precisely targeted based on data, rather than building based on mere preference or feeling,” he remarked.