Examining the Widespread Controversy over DTSEN Decile Classification

Statistics Indonesia (BPS) recently conducted a survey on the Single National Socio-Economic Data (DTSEN). This was carried out to update the economic status of Indonesian citizens. The results of this economic census will be used by the government as a reference in determining who is entitled to social assistance and restrictions on subsidised fuel consumption.

Unfortunately, after the process was completed, controversy arose. Several people felt that the decile classification from the census was inaccurate. As previously reported by detikcom, the inaccuracy of the data ultimately harmed affected citizens.

In Yogyakarta, a becak driver was forced to request a reduction in his child’s tuition fees after being listed in decile 9. Timbul, a resident of Lendah, Kulon Progo, had to apply for relief through the Smart Indonesia Programme (PIP) after his child was required to pay Rp 15 million to enter Yogyakarta State University.

A similar situation occurred in Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara. A number of residents protested when their names were listed in decile 10, despite claiming that they still live modestly and in rented accommodation.

The numerous similar cases prompted the government to respond. Quoting detikSumut, Head of the Government Communication Agency (Bakom) Muhammad Qodari addressed the controversy surrounding the decile calculation. He stressed that the government would take into account various public complaints if inaccuracies were found in the decile determination and use them as evaluation material for improvements.

“Yes, of course the complaints that occur, the problems that occur, become input for the government so that they can be corrected,” said Qodari at his office in Central Jakarta on Wednesday (26/8/2026).

Most recently, the Indonesian Minister of Finance, Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa, has prepared Rp 7 trillion in funds for the improvement of DTSEN. This figure is in line with BPS’s request to present accurate data.

“So, DTSEN and the census, if I’m not mistaken, is almost Rp 7 trillion, slightly less. With various things, quite a lot. So, at the beginning of the year, they requested a budget increase and we fulfilled it to ensure the DTSEN is good,” said Purbaya at the Ministry of Finance in Central Jakarta on Wednesday (26/8/2026).

So where does the error in decile determination lie? How should the government improve the DTSEN updating mechanism in the future? Find out in the discussion with Member of Commission VIII, Selly Andriany Gantina, on detikSore!