Legislator: 2026 Economic Census to Strengthen MSME Policies

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Member of Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Adela Kanasya Adies, stated that the 2026 Economic Census will serve as a basis for data-driven policy-making, including strengthening the empowerment of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Adela conveyed this in a statement in Jakarta on Wednesday, while encouraging the public and business actors to actively participate in the 2026 Economic Census organised by Statistics Indonesia (BPS). “The Economic Census is an important instrument to comprehensively capture the condition of Indonesia’s economy and become the basis for formulating development policies,” she said. According to Adela, the census results will provide an up-to-date picture of the business world, from micro-enterprises to large companies, including developments in the digital economy. She assessed that the census data will serve as the foundation for drafting development policies, determining budget priorities, evaluating government programmes, and supporting the legislative, budgeting, and oversight functions of the DPR RI. Adela noted that one of the main focuses of the 2026 Economic Census is to produce more comprehensive data on MSMEs as the backbone of the national economy. Based on data from the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs, there are approximately 65 million MSME units in Indonesia. Therefore, she argued, data accuracy through the census is crucial so that empowerment policies for business actors are aligned with conditions on the ground. She also assured the public not to worry about providing data to BPS officers, as confidentiality is guaranteed by Law Number 16 of 1997 on Statistics and Law Number 27 of 2022 on Personal Data Protection. Adela urged the public and business actors to actively participate in the 2026 Economic Census, which is scheduled to run until 31 August 2026.