BPS conducts 2026 Economic Census to update Indonesia's economic data

Indonesia's Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) is conducting the 2026 Economic Census to update the nation's economic structure data, which has not been comprehensively updated since 2016. M. Edy Mahmud, Deputy for Balance Sheet and Statistical Analysis at BPS, stated that 2016 data is no longer sufficient to reflect current economic realities, particularly due to shifts in production, marketing, and distribution driven by the digital economy and marketplace platforms.

As of August 7, 2026, the census has reached approximately 86% of the estimated business population. The data is intended to map the characteristics of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to serve as a foundation for government policy and assistance programs. BPS emphasized that individual data is protected under the Statistics Law and only aggregate data will be published.

However, the process has faced challenges. Hermawati Setyorinny, Chairperson of the Indonesian MSME Association, noted that some business owners are avoiding census officers due to suspicions that the data will be used for taxation purposes. Experts suggested improved socialization and the involvement of local community leaders to build trust and ensure businesses are included in future government economic mapping.