BPS data on Internet

BPS data on Internet

JAKARTA (JP): The Central Bureau of Statistic (BPS) has
entered the global computer network, the Internet, allowing
foreigners to access data on Indonesia's macro and micro economy
culled from the government agency's records.

"After a year of preparations, we went on the Internet last
October," BPS's chief, Soegito, said at a meeting with
Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono here yesterday.

He pointed out that the information made available on the
Internet includes data on the country's international trade,
agriculture, mines, energy and the volume of its consumption.

It also provides data on the country's exports, covering such
commodities as plywood, shrimp and coffee as well as imports from
major trading partners.

He said that businessmen abroad can now get facts and figures
discussed during cabinet meetings.

The head of the BPS's Data Base Section, Agus Suherman, told
Minister Moerdiono that the information service has been warmly
welcomed by foreigners.

But he said foreigners have expressed hopes that BPS will
provide more detailed information on Indonesia's economy, such as
information on minor tourism sites outside of Bali, flight
schedules and ticket prices. (13)