BPS to Hunt for Data on Online Shop Owners and Digital Traders in Economic Census

The Deputy Head of the Indonesian Central Statistics Agency (BPS), Sonny Harry Budiotomo Harmadi, stated that during the implementation of the 2026 Economic Census, the agency will focus on recording economic activities conducted by both business actors and households utilising digital platforms or marketplaces. Consequently, those trading on TikTok or other social media platforms will be included in the data collection.

Sonny explained that for the 202ng Economic Census, census officers will visit the homes or residences of every citizen. “They will go door-to-door to houses. This is because many business activities are now conducted from within the home, using TikTok or other social media, which are not visible from the outside. We can only record and identify them if we enter these homes,” he said while attending the Launching Ceremony of the 2026 Economic Census at Pancasila Field, Simpang Lima, Semarang, Central Java, on Thursday (18/06/2026).

According to him, this data collection is vital for mapping the complete economic potential and conditions in every region. Furthermore, the data will be beneficial for the government in formulating appropriate economic policies.

“Therefore, we will visit all business units as well as go door-to-door to houses. Many businesses are operated from home but do not have signage and remain unrecorded,” said Sonny.