Home Affairs Minister: Economic Census Data Crucial for Policy Formulation

Home Affairs Minister Muhammad Tito Karnavian has emphasised the critical importance of data obtained from the 2026 Economic Census in formulating economic policies that positively impact the community. “We know that data is extremely important. With data, based on data, we can make policies. The more accurate the data, the better the policies will be,” Tito said at the Ministry of Home Affairs office in Jakarta on Monday. He made the statement after signing a Joint Circular with the Head of Statistics Indonesia (BPS), Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti, at the Sasana Bhakti Praja Building. The circular contains key points to guide regional governments in supporting the implementation of the 2026 Economic Census. Tito explained that President Prabowo Subianto has tasked BPS with conducting the economic census to obtain data that comprehensively depicts the current state of the public’s economy. According to the Home Affairs Minister, this programme will also provide significant benefits for the regions. Through the economic census, regional governments will have accurate data to understand their area’s economic conditions, serving as a reference in formulating development policies. Moreover, data collection is carried out by BPS officers spread across all regions in Indonesia. “This census, conducted in all districts/cities by BPS, is beneficial for all district/city governments to understand the economic situation in their areas,” he stated. Tito specifically urged regional heads, including governors, regents, and mayors, to cooperate with local BPS heads to ensure the success of the 2026 Economic Census. He added that the signing of this joint circular provides a foundation for regions to obtain economic data that has not been optimally accessible. He cited that economic data in several special economic zones designated by the central government will eventually be accessible to the regions. The availability of this data will complement the databases already held by regional governments. Conversely, if support for the census implementation is not optimal, the resulting data may be less accurate. This condition could disadvantage regions by depriving them of a real picture of their economic situation. “So please, once again, be proactive, fellow regional heads. Invite BPS. Immediately. Discuss technically how to ensure the census activities in each region yield optimal results,” he concluded. Following the signing, the BPS Head presented a dossier on the synergy for implementing the 2026 Economic Census to the Home Affairs Minister, symbolising a joint commitment to strengthening collaboration for accurate and high-quality data.