Gong Strike Marks Launch of 2026 Economic Census in Lembata
Deputy Regent of Lembata, Muhamad Nasir, officially launched the 2026 Economic Census in Lembata Regency by striking a gong and bestowing attributes upon census officers on Monday (15/6/2026). The ceremony, held at the Olympic ballroom in Lewoleba, was accompanied by the Head of the Lembata Regency Central Statistics Agency (BPS), Leonard Rizalis Lalang, and attended by members of the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda), heads of Regional Apparatus Organisations (OPD), sub-district heads, village chiefs, and census officers. Approximately 240 participants attended the launch.
The organising committee reported that the Economic Census is a nationwide statistical activity conducted every ten years. The 2026 edition marks the fifth census since it was first held in 1986. The exercise aims to produce accurate and high-quality economic data to serve as a foundation for development planning. It is also expected to galvanise support from local government, relevant agencies, the business community, and all levels of society, fostering active public participation in providing correct information to census officers.
During the event, a Declaration of Support for the 2026 Economic Census in Lembata Regency was read, affirming the commitment of the local government and all elements of society to responsibly support the census to ensure the availability of accurate and reliable economic data. In his remarks, Deputy Regent Muhamad Nasir stressed that data is the primary foundation for all regional and national development planning. He expressed appreciation for the momentum in strengthening the foundations of economic development, stating that the census would serve as a basis for regional and national planning. Nasir noted that accurate data is essential to realise Lembata’s vision of progress and competitiveness, warning that planning without valid data is like walking in darkness. He added that Lembata’s significant potential requires accurate data to attract investment, improve human resources, and strengthen regional economic development. He called on all residents and business actors to provide truthful information to census officers and requested maximum support from all government ranks for the census’s success.
Head of BPS Lembata Regency, Leonard Rizalis Lalang, affirmed that all census officers would carry out their duties professionally in accordance with prevailing laws and regulations and guarantee the confidentiality of data provided by respondents. The event was also attended by the Head of the Lembata District Attorney’s Office, Raden Ari Wijaya Kawedhar, Lembata Police Chief Nanang Wahyudi, and other Forkopimda members who expressed their support for the implementation of the 2026 Economic Census in Lembata Regency.