Indonesia launches 2026 Economic Census, stresses data is for statistics not taxes

Indonesia’s Statistics Agency (BPS) began the 2026 Economic Census on 15 June, deploying more than 250 000 enumerators nationwide and using three data‑collection methods – online self‑entry (CAWI), telephone interviews (CATI) and door‑to‑door visits (CAPI) – to cover households, UMKM, markets and larger enterprises.

Officials repeatedly stressed that the census gathers aggregated statistical information only. BPS guarantees confidentiality under Law No 16/1997, storing data on ISO‑27001‑compliant servers and publishing results solely in aggregate form, not for tax assessment or individual audits.

Regional leaders, including Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi and East Java Vice‑Governor Emil Dardak, urged public participation and dismissed rumours linking the census to tax hikes. BPS also instructed citizens to verify enumerators’ official uniforms, name‑tags and barcode IDs.

Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Ribka Haluk called for greater involvement of Indigenous Papuan staff in Papua to improve coverage, while the Financial Services Authority (OJK) warned influencers not to spread misinformation tying the census to financial scams, referencing POJK No 6/2026.