BPS: Economic Census Strengthens Kepri's Position as the 'Blue Gem'

Tanjungpinang (ANTARA) - The Head of the Indonesian Central Statistics Agency (BPS RI), Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti, stated that the 2026 Economic Census strengthens the position of the Riau Islands Province (Kepri) as the ‘Blue Gem’ at Indonesia’s Northern Gateway.

Amalia explained that the concept of the Blue Gem at Indonesia’s Northern Gateway is a strategic vision for the Riau Islands to become a national maritime economic growth centre, given that 98 per cent of its geographical area is ocean.

“The blue gem possesses extraordinary economic potential; therefore, the Economic Census is here to refine this blue gem, generating economic opportunities and progress for the Riau Islands,” said Amalia while attending the launch of the 2026 Economic Census at the Wan Seri Beni Hall, Dompak, Tanjungpinang, on Wednesday.

She noted that the Riau Islands is one of the primary provinces of focus for BPS RI during this year’s Economic Census, due to its unique and varied economic structure compared to other Indonesian provinces, ranging from manufacturing industries and natural resources to digitalisation.

Therefore, she said, the Economic Census serves as a golden opportunity to produce an updated economic portrait of the Riau Islands for the next ten years.

“Let us utilise this Economic Census as a collective tool to realise the Riau Islands as the Blue Gem at Indonesia’s Northern Gateway, moving towards Indonesia Emas 2045,” Amalia remarked.

On this occasion, BPS RI also expressed appreciation for the support of the Riau Islands Governor, Ansar Ahmad, through a Circular Letter sent to all regents, mayors, and business actors regarding support for the implementation of the 2026 Economic Census.

This support demonstrates the commitment of the Riau Islands Governor and his administration to ensuring the success of this decennial Economic Census.

“Governor Ansar has also become the first respondent for the 2026 Economic Census in the Riau Islands. This serves as motivation for the public to ensure they are not missed during the census officers’ enumeration,” she revealed.

She further added that the implementation of the 2026 Economic Census is a mandate of Law Number 16 of 1997 concerning Statistics.

The Economic Census is highly significant given the changes in economic activities and dynamics compared to ten years ago.

“Through the Economic Census, BPS will collect and record data to present the most current economic information,” said Amalia.

Meanwhile, the Governor of the Riau Islands, Ansar Ahmad, emphasised the obligation of all Regents, Mayors, Civil Servants, District Heads, Village Heads, Vertical Agencies, the TNI-Polri (Military and Police), religious leaders, mass organisations, and business actors to support the 2026 Economic Census.

Ansar hopes that the Riau Islands will contribute by achieving maximum participation levels in supporting the 2026 Economic Census.

He stated that the results of the Economic Census will be used as a government policy tool in formulating inclusive economic programmes to ensure a more advanced and successful future for the province.

“This census is vital for observing business structures and future investment opportunities, including encouraging MSMEs to grow and upgrade their scale,” said Ansar.

The 2026 Economic Census will run from 15 June to 31 August. BPS Kepri has deployed 1,589 census officers across seven local regencies and cities.