OJK Warns Influencers Not to Mislead Public on Economic Census Data Collection

The Financial Services Authority (OJK) has responded to reports of public refusal to participate or provide information for the 2026 Economic Census. One suspected cause is the circulation of social media content linking the Economic Census to taxation issues. The OJK has reminded content creators and financial influencers (finfluencers) not to mislead the public regarding the data collection conducted by Statistics Indonesia (BPS).

“We are finalising POJK Number 6 of 2026 concerning influencers, which essentially aims to provide protection to the public,” said OJK Board of Commissioners Chairman Friderica Widyasari Dewi during a press conference at the ‘Strengthening Defenses Against Scams: Addressing AML Vulnerabilities and Compliance in Digital Finance and Virtual Assets’ seminar, jointly held by OJK and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Central Jakarta, Monday (6/7/2026).

POJK Number 6 of 2026 is an OJK regulation governing the conduct of information providers in the financial services sector. The regulation contains guidelines, limitations, and sanctions for finfluencers and other parties outside official institutions who deliver information, education, marketing, or recommendations regarding financial products to the public. The regulation came into effect on 4 June 2026.

Consequently, the emergence of social media content linking the Economic Census to taxation and other issues has become a concern for the OJK. “This finfluencer POJK is actually part of OJK’s efforts to maintain market integrity. So, not just anyone can talk about the financial services sector because it could mislead the public,” said OJK Deputy Commissioner for Financial Services Business Conduct and Consumer Protection, Rizal Ramadhani.

Rizal explained that parties wishing to provide education in accordance with OJK provisions can participate in the OJK’s learning management system (LMS). Upon completing the programme, participants will receive a certificate of completion as proof of eligibility to provide education or information to the public. “This is intended to ensure our ecosystem is not infiltrated by incompetent individuals,” he stated.

The OJK also reminded the public to be more cautious when receiving information or directions from influencers on social media. The OJK affirmed its continued support for the implementation of the 2026 Economic Census, which is being conducted by BPS from 15 June to 31 August 2026, as it is a national agenda held every ten years and serves as an important basis for mapping Indonesia’s economic development. The OJK also expressed confidence in the credibility of BPS officers.

Nevertheless, the OJK acknowledged the potential for scams exploiting the Economic Census. “We cannot deny that there may be parties piggybacking on this event. Therefore, the key is public vigilance. People must cross-check whether the officer is genuinely from BPS. Ensure their identity card is verified,” said Friderica, who is familiarly known as Kiki.

In addition to checking the BPS officer’s identity card, the public can also confirm with the local neighbourhood unit (RT) or community unit (RW) head. This is because BPS officers typically coordinate with local officials before conducting data collection. “Perhaps check with the RT/RW first, because usually they do not come directly. They contact the RT/RW beforehand,” she added. Therefore, the public is expected to be more thorough when receiving visits from census officers. By verifying identities and confirming with local officials, the public is expected to avoid scam practices.