Socialization of the 2026 Economic Census and Enhancement of Public Statistical Literacy with DPR RI

On Friday, November 14, the team from BPS-Statistics Tanjung Balai Municipality, together with Members of Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), representatives from BPS-Statistics Indonesia, DPR RI experts/staff, the Mayor of Tanjung Balai Municipality, the Head of Bapperida Tanjung Balai Municipality, representatives from BPS-Statistics North Sumatra Province, and constituents, organized the event “Socialization of the 2026 Economic Census and Enhancement of Public Statistical Literacy.” The event took place from 13:00 to 18:30 WIB at Grand Singgie Hotel, Tanjung Balai Municipality.

The socialization was officially opened by the Acting Head of BPS-Statistics North Sumatra Province, Mr. M. Dani Iskandar, SE., M.Si. In his remarks, he emphasized that the Economic Census will be used to provide fundamental data on economic activities, serving as the basis for national development and policymaking, as well as to identify the types and scales of businesses that have evolved over the past decade.

BPS-Statistics is committed to delivering high-quality data; however, the success of the Economic Census greatly depends on the support and cooperation of various stakeholders: local governments, legislators, the public, and business actors in providing honest, complete, and accurate responses.

The event continued with a speech by the Mayor of Tanjung Balai Municipality, Mr. Mahyaruddin Salim Batubara, S.E., M.A.P. In his address, he stated that statistical data and information are the main foundation for planning, implementing, and evaluating development. Therefore, collaboration between BPS-Statistics, local government, and the community will further strengthen evidence-based and sustainable development.

He also stressed the importance of encouraging all local government agencies, business actors, and the people of Tanjung Balai Municipality to fully support the implementation of the 2026 Economic Census and the improvement of public statistical literacy. Let us realize our shared commitment that every policy we make begins with accurate and reliable data.

Next was the keynote speech delivered by Mr. Dr. H. Ahmad Doli Kurnia Tandjung, S.Si., M.T., Deputy Chair of the Legislative Body of DPR RI. He emphasized that data is the key in today’s era. In the past, policies relied heavily on information; when the information was wrong, the actions and policies taken were also wrong, and could even turn into hoaxes.

His hope is that in the future, all government data will become integrated, aligned, and jointly utilized as the basis for more accurate, effective, and people-oriented policymaking.

The presentation on the 2026 Economic Census was then delivered by the Head of Bapperida Tanjung Balai Municipality, Mr. Zul Abdiman, S.Kom., M.M., under the title “Harnessing the Potential of Tanjung Balai Municipality through the Economic Census.” The key message was that the Economic Census is not merely a routine activity of BPS-Statistics, but a strategic tool for the Tanjung Balai Municipality Government to gain deeper insights into its economic structure and potential, particularly in MSMEs, trade, industry, and the blue economy (marine and fisheries). With complete and accurate Economic Census data, local governments can formulate development policies and medium-term development plans (RPJMD) that are more targeted, thereby reducing poverty, lowering unemployment, and improving the welfare of the people of Tanjung Balai Municipality.

It is hoped that this socialization will enhance public understanding and awareness of the importance of the 2026 Economic Census and encourage active participation from all stakeholders in supporting the availability of complete, accurate, and high-quality statistical data for the formulation of more targeted development policies in Tanjung Balai Municipality.