Indonesian population 203.45 million: BPS
Indonesian population 203.45 million: BPS
JAKARTA (JP): Population growth in the last decade has been
declining as indicated by the results of the latest census which
shows that Indonesia now has a population of 203,456,005 of which
nearly 60 percent live on Java island.
The Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) on Wednesday issued the
results of the latest population census which showed that
population growth in the country between 1990 and 2000 was at
1.35 percent per year, while the previous rate between 1980 and
1990 was 1.97 percent.
Several provinces in fact had a population growth of less than
one percent, namely West Sumatra, Jakarta, Central Java, East
Java and Maluku.
"The situation in Maluku however may be slightly unique
compared to other provinces since during the enumeration many
residents had left Maluku due to the unrest," the Bureau said in
its statement.
The highest growth rate was recorded in Riau with a rate of
3.79 percent.
"Riau has become a destination mostly for migrants from other
provinces in Sumatra," the Bureau said.
The census itself was held in June. It was the fifth
population census ever held in Indonesia.
The results released on Wednesday were described as
"temporary" as it had only evaluated and compiled the results of
98.85 percent of the data due to be collected.
The Bureau said the 2000 Census encountered various
difficulties in its enumeration particularly due to unrest and
the security situation in several areas.
The regencies of North Aceh, Pidie, East Aceh, Sambas, Poso,
Central Maluku, Jayawijaya and Ambon Mayoralty were cited as
areas were the census could only partially be conducted or not
done at all.
The Bureau also remarked that "under the current nuance of
democracy there is greater tolerance for non-response" from those
about to be enumerated.
The number of men and women in the country are about equal at
101,641,570 to 101,814,439.
Despite various efforts to spread out the population, such as
transmigration programs, the latest census continues to emulate
previous statistics which show that most people live on Java
island.
According to the 2000 Census, 59.19 percent of the total
population live on Java, followed by Sumatra island with 20.97
percent, Sulawesi 7.1 percent and Kalimantan 5.3 percent.
Population density for the whole country which has a size of
5.19 million square kilometers -- 1.9 million land and 3.2
million ocean -- is said to be 106 persons per square kilometer.
Not surprisingly Java island as a whole has the highest
density of 946 persons per square kilometer.
Jakarta is the province with the highest density with an
astonishing 12,628 people per square kilometer. (edt)