Home Affairs Minister: 2026 Economic Census Data to Form Basis for Policy Making

Indonesia's Minister of Home Affairs, Muhammad Tito Karnavian, emphasized the critical role of data from the upcoming 2026 Economic Census in shaping impactful economic policies for the public. "With data, based on data, we can make policies. The more accurate the data, the better the policies will be," Karnavian stated during an event at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Jakarta.

The Minister's remarks followed the signing of a Joint Ministerial Decree (SEB) with Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti, head of the Central Statistics Agency (BPS). This decree provides guidelines for regional governments to support the 2026 Economic Census. President Prabowo Subianto has tasked BPS with conducting this census to gather comprehensive data on the nation's current economic landscape, which will be the cornerstone for formulating various economic policies.

Karnavian highlighted that the census will also significantly benefit regional administrations by providing accurate data to understand their local economic conditions. This data will serve as a crucial reference for formulating regional development policies. BPS officials will collect data across all regencies and cities, ensuring a nationwide scope. "So, the census is made in all regencies/cities by BPS. It is beneficial for all regency/city governments to understand the economic situation in their regions," he explained.

The Minister specifically encouraged all regional heads, governors, regents, and mayors, to actively cooperate with their respective BPS heads to ensure the success of the 2026 Economic Census. He noted that the signed SEB establishes a foundation for regions to access economic data that has previously been difficult to obtain. This data will complement the existing databases held by regional governments.

Conversely, Karnavian warned that a lack of optimal support for the census could lead to inaccurate data, potentially hindering regions from gaining a true understanding of their economic situations. "So please, once again, be proactive, regional heads. Invite BPS immediately. Discuss technically how the census activities in each region can yield optimal results," he urged.