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)