Indonesia launches 2026 Economic Census as it rolls out job‑security measures

The Indonesian government has begun the decennial Economic Census 2026, urging citizens to provide truthful data so that policymakers can better target social assistance and adjust economic programs. Officials highlighted concerns that past data collections have often remained in reports without influencing policy, and urged both the public and authorities to act on the findings.

At the same time, the administration announced a suite of fiscal incentives aimed at labor‑intensive sectors—such as footwear, textiles, furniture, tourism, and agriculture—to curb the risk of mass layoffs before 2027. Measures include a government‑covered income‑tax levy for certain workers, subsidised internship allowances, and reduced social‑security contributions for gig‑economy drivers. A dedicated PHK mitigation task force, coordinated with the police labour desk and the DPR, is mapping companies at risk of layoffs and will intervene case‑by‑case.

The Ministry of Industry also reported a rise in craft‑goods exports, reaching US$165 million in Q1 2026, and outlined plans to boost the sector through skills development, circular‑economy practices, and stronger market access. Lawmakers, including a member of the DPR’s Commission VIII, called for accurate census data to ensure social‑aid programs reach the truly needy and for improved disaster‑relief logistics.