BPS Launches 2026 Economic Census in Riau Islands and South Sulawesi

Statistics Indonesia (BPS) has officially commenced door-to-door field data collection for the 2026 Economic Census (SE2026) starting 15 June 2026. BPS Chief Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti personally launched the census in two strategic provinces, South Sulawesi and the Riau Islands, to strengthen cross-sector collaboration. The SE2026 data collection is scheduled to run for two and a half months until 31 August 2026. The census is considered crucial as it records digital transformation, the impact of the pandemic, and changes in Indonesia’s economic structure over the past decade. Its results will serve as the primary foundation for formulating development policies at both national and regional levels. During the launch at Wan Seri Beni Hall in Tanjung Pinang on Wednesday (17/6), Amalia expressed high appreciation for the support of the Riau Islands Provincial Government. She referred to the Riau Islands as a ‘blue gem’ at Indonesia’s northern gateway, which recorded impressive economic growth above 7 percent in the first quarter of 2026. ‘The economic census is here to polish the blue gem at Indonesia’s northern gateway. There are two conditions for the success of this census: comprehensive coverage and accurate data quality,’ Amalia stated. Riau Islands Governor Ansar Ahmad said that SE2026 data is vital for his region, which is 98 percent ocean. According to him, the census results will serve as a compass in setting future maritime economic development policies. Previously, the first launch was conducted in Makassar, South Sulawesi, on 10 June 2026. South Sulawesi was chosen because of its 43.54 percent contribution to the economy of Sulawesi Island. South Sulawesi Governor Andi Sudirman Sulaiman hopes SE2026 can map the types of community businesses in depth for more targeted policy interventions. BPS urges all business actors and the public to participate actively. The completeness of data collected by field officers will be the main key in producing accurate information for more inclusive Indonesian economic development.