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

Tanjungpinang (ANTARA) - Head of Statistics Indonesia (BPS) Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti stated that the 2026 Economic Census will strengthen the position of the Riau Islands (Kepri) Province as the ‘Blue Gem’ at Indonesia’s northern gateway. Amalia explained that the ‘Blue Gem at the Northern Gateway’ concept is Kepri’s strategic vision to become a national maritime economic growth centre, given that 98 per cent of its geographical area is ocean. “The blue gem holds extraordinary economic potential, and the Economic Census is here to polish it, generating economic opportunities and progress for Kepri,” she said during the launch of the provincial-level 2026 Economic Census at Wan Seri Beni Hall, Dompak, Tanjungpinang, on Wednesday. She noted that Kepri is one of the main provinces of focus for BPS RI in this year’s census due to its unique and varied economic structure compared to other Indonesian provinces, spanning from processing industries and natural resources to digitalisation. Therefore, she said, the Economic Census is a golden opportunity to produce an up-to-date portrait of Kepri’s economy for the next ten years. “Let us make this Economic Census a shared tool to realise Kepri as the Blue Gem at Indonesia’s Northern Gateway towards a Golden Indonesia 2045,” Amalia remarked. On this occasion, BPS RI also appreciated the support of Kepri Governor Ansar Ahmad, who issued a Circular Letter to all regents, mayors, and business actors regarding support for the 2026 Economic Census implementation. This support demonstrates the commitment of the Governor and his ranks to the success of the decennial Economic Census. “Governor Ansar also became the first respondent for the 2026 Economic Census in Kepri. This serves as motivation for the public not to be missed by census enumerators,” she revealed. She further added that the implementation of the 2026 Economic Census is mandated by Law Number 16 of 1997 on Statistics. The Economic Census is crucial given the changes in economic activity and dynamics compared to ten years ago. “Through the Economic Census, BPS will record and present the latest economic data,” Amalia concluded. Meanwhile, Kepri Governor Ansar Ahmad emphasised the obligation for all regents, mayors, civil servants, sub-district heads, village heads, vertical agencies, the military, police, religious leaders, community organisations, and business actors to support the 2026 Economic Census. Ansar hopes that Kepri will contribute as a province with the maximum participation rate in supporting the Economic Census. He conveyed that the census data will be used as a government policy tool in formulating inclusive economic programmes towards a more advanced and successful Kepri in the future. “This census is very important for examining the business structure and future investment opportunities, including encouraging MSMEs to develop and upgrade,” said Ansar. The 2026 Economic Census will commence on 15 June and run until 31 August. BPS Kepri has deployed 1,589 enumerators across the province’s seven regencies and cities.