Statistics bureau to take census on economic structure

JAKARTA (JP): The National Bureau of Statistics plans to conduct an economic census to obtain data on ways to overcome the unequal distribution of development gains.

Bureau chairman Sugito said yesterday that the census, which will start in December, is expected to come up with comprehensive data on the national economic structure, including imbalances in economic development among the various provinces and sectors.

"The data are needed to forge strategies to promote even distribution of the fruits of development," he said at a hearing with House of Representatives Commission X on sciences.

He said that the census would cover all levels of businesses from small-scale entrepreneurs to conglomerates.

The government bureau's plan received strong support from the commission. Legislators expressed their hope that the census would help narrow the widening gulf between the rich and the poor.

M.P. Pasaribu of the ruling Golkar party and Syaifuddin of the United Development Party factions warned that the economic disparities among individuals and regions could burst like a time bomb if they are not properly addressed.

"Political will in the part of the government is also vital to overcome the problem," Pasaribu said.

Alif Sofyan of the Indonesian Democratic Party said that the government should also step up development in the eastern part of the country.

Sugito said that BPS would use labor indicators to classify economic activities.

For instance, a company employing 5 to 21 workers will fall into the small business category, while those employing 22 to 99 workers will be medium-scale businesses and those employing 100 workers or more will be considered large-scale, he said.

He said that almost all large-scale companies, including conglomerate owners, are reluctant to give data on their business and assets. (rms)