Semarang Economic Census Misses Target as Residents Fear Taxes

Semarang's 2026 Economic Census has fallen short of its collection targets, with a significant number of residents hesitant to provide crucial income information. Rudi Cahyono, head of the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) for Semarang City, stated that the census faced considerable obstacles during its execution.

The primary challenge identified by Cahyono is the widespread reluctance among citizens to disclose their financial details. This apprehension stems from a fear that their reported income could lead to increased tax burdens. The census aims to gather comprehensive economic data, but this fear has created a barrier to obtaining accurate and complete information.

This situation highlights a tension between the government's need for economic data and citizens' concerns about financial privacy and potential fiscal consequences. The BPS is now grappling with how to address these concerns to ensure the integrity and accuracy of future economic surveys in the region.

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The implementation of the 2026 Economic Census in the region still faces several obstacles. One of them is that quite a lot of residents...