BPS Prepares for 2026 Economic Census with Massive Recruitment Drive

National Economic Data Collection Effort

The Indonesian Central Statistics Agency (BPS) is gearing up for its comprehensive national economic census in June-July 2026 by recruiting 190,000 enumerators. This large-scale data collection exercise, occurring every 10 years, aims to capture detailed information about all business entities across Indonesia, ranging from household-level enterprises to large corporations.

Recruitment Details and Compensation

The recruitment process for these temporary positions is planned for February 2026, with the census activities launching in January 2026. BPS Deputy Head, Sonny Harry Budiutomo Harmadi, stated that the compensation for enumerators will likely range between Rp3 million to Rp5 million per month, depending on the number of respondents they successfully survey. The agency is encouraging participation from various groups including students, lecturers, and academics, as this is considered a labor-intensive project requiring widespread coverage across Indonesia.

Significance of the Economic Census

The economic census is a critical exercise for BPS as it provides comprehensive insights into the country's economic structure, which can undergo significant changes over a decade. The data collected will be instrumental for policymakers, researchers, and business stakeholders in understanding economic trends, identifying growth areas, and formulating appropriate policies. BPS is seeking support from various stakeholders, including provincial governments, to ensure the success of this massive data collection effort.

Regional Importance: Riau Province Example

The significance of this census is particularly highlighted in regions like Riau Province, which is the second-largest economic hub in Sumatra. BPS has already received support from the Riau Provincial Government, with Governor's commitment to facilitate the census process by involving relevant stakeholders such as business entities and academic institutions. This collaboration is crucial given the large number of business actors in the region that need to be documented during the census.