BPS: Economic Census Not for Raising Taxes

The Deputy Head of the Indonesian Central Statistics Agency (BPS), Sonny Harry Budiotomo Harmadi, stated that the purpose of conducting the 2026 Economic Census is to record economic activities, both by business actors and families utilising digital platforms. Nevertheless, he assured that the data collection is not intended to raise taxes.

Sonny emphasised that citizens must not refuse to be censused because the activity is mandated by law. “No, no, this is confidential. That is why data confidentiality is guaranteed. It has nothing to do with taxes,” Sonny said after attending the Launch of the 2026 Economic Census at Lapangan Pancasila Simpang Lima, Semarang City, Central Java, on Thursday (18/6/2026).

Sonny explained that the data gathered in the 2026 Economic Census will be used for all government programmes. “All government programmes should refer to quality data, right? So, the economic census records the Indonesian economy comprehensively,” he said.

He gave an example that the economic census will identify which sectors have high production costs. “So the government can help by intervening, building appropriate infrastructure according to industry needs, implementing policies, for example Governor Decrees, regional regulations that suit the economic characteristics of that area,” said Sonny.