Successful census contributes to development quality

Jakarta (ANTARA) - GREAT Institute economist Trisha Devita has stated that the success of the 2026 Economic Census can directly contribute to the quality of development, as more complete data allows the government to understand economic changes and improve policies. “Public trust is the main capital for quality statistics. The public needs to be confident that their data is safe and used for statistical purposes,” Trisha said in Jakarta on Friday. Trisha assessed that a successful census requires the support of all stakeholders, including local governments, business associations, academics, the media, and local figures, through strengthening socialisation that is easily understood by the public. She urged households, business actors, companies, and organisations to not only participate in answering officers’ questions but also to help disseminate correct information about the census and reduce misunderstandings regarding the purpose of data collection. “Accurate data today will become the foundation for better economic decisions in the future,” she said. She expressed hope that the 2026 Economic Census would become a momentum to strengthen awareness that data is a crucial part of development infrastructure, determining the government’s accuracy in setting priorities, allocating budgets, and evaluating the effectiveness of economic policies. “Welcome the official BPS officers, provide correct information, and together build an accurate database for the future of Indonesia’s economy,” she added. Previously, the Head of Statistics Indonesia (BPS), Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti, emphasised that the economic census is conducted for statistical purposes, not for taxation. The statement was made following public assumptions that the economic census was intended to register prospective taxpayers. “So this census is for statistical purposes, not for taxation. This is what the public needs to know,” Amalia said at Jakarta City Hall on Monday (13/7). Amalia also assured that the confidentiality of public data would be maintained, so the public need not worry. “We have also collaborated with the National Cyber and Crypto Agency (BSSN), Telkom, and PT Peruri to safeguard the data that will be collected on the BPS server,” she stressed.