KPI Urges Broadcast Media Support for 2026 Economic Census to Counter Hoaxes and Boost Participation

The Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI) has stated that public rejection of the 2026 Economic Census is partly due to a lack of effective public communication. Insufficient socialisation has heightened public concern, a situation exacerbated by hoaxes circulating on social media.

KPI Commissioner Tulus Santoso believes that broadcast media, including television and radio, can play a vital role in helping organisers disseminate the importance of the census to the public. “The success of the census does not solely depend on field officers, but also on the success of public communication. The better the educational efforts by broadcast media, the higher the level of public participation in the census will be. This case can follow the example set by election organisers who conducted massive socialisation through broadcast media,” Tulus said in a written statement in Jakarta on Monday.

According to Tulus, socialisation is essential to ensure public trust in the census programme. “The public needs to know how to identify official officers, understand the purpose of the census, and be aware that their data is guaranteed confidentiality,” he explained.

He proposed that the government, specifically the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), involve broadcast media to ensure the programme’s success. “There are thousands of broadcast media institutions in Indonesia. Moreover, their reach extends to remote areas, and this medium remains a trusted source of information for the public,” Tulus emphasised.

Effective socialisation models through broadcast media could include public service announcements, talk shows, and even integration into entertainment programmes. “If these census messages are carried out intensively through the improvisation and creativity of broadcast media, they will certainly be more easily accepted by the public. People will understand and be willing to accept census officers at their homes,” Tulus said.

Tulus stressed that quality data can only be produced from quality information. Therefore, broadcast media holds a significant role in building public trust towards the 2026 Economic Census. “Public participation begins with understanding. And understanding is built through correct, balanced, and easily digestible information. Thus, collaboration between the media and census organisers is crucial,” he concluded.