PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - Bandung City has once again achieved a strategic role at the national level. The Indonesian Central Statistics Agency (BPS) officially launched and publicized the 2026 Economic Census (SE) in Bandung City. This makes it the first region and a national pilot for the census.

The Head of the Indonesian Statistics Agency (BPS), Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti, stated that Bandung City is a best practice that will be followed by other regions, including Garut Regency. She emphasized that the 2026 Economic Census is a major national event that requires the participation of all elements of society.

"This economic census belongs not only to BPS but to all of us. Active public participation will produce accurate data that can be used for policy and development," said Amalia, while delivering a speech at the Circular Letter 2026 Socialization at the Bandung City Hall Multipurpose Building on Thursday (April 23, 2026).

According to him, the census, conducted every 10 years, is crucial for capturing changes in the economic structure, particularly following the Covid-19 pandemic and the rapid development of the digital economy.

He gave the example of platform-based economic activities such as e-commerce and digital services, which are now a significant part of the economy that must be recorded.

According to data from the 2016 Economic Census, West Java is dominated by micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), with a total of 4.5 million units. However, this data is considered irrelevant to current conditions.

"Many new economic activities have emerged that didn't previously exist, such as online trading, gold banking, and the green economy. We will capture all of this in the 2026 Economic Census," he said.

This census will cover all business activities, both physical and digital, including home-based and large-scale businesses. Data collection will be conducted using three methods: online self-completion, in-person interviews with officers, and the use of a digital questionnaire based on a device.

BPS also guarantees the security of public data. Each officer is equipped with official identification and a QR code for verification, as well as an encryption system to maintain the confidentiality of respondent information.

Meanwhile, Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan welcomed the launch of the census, believing that statistical data is the primary basis for formulating targeted policies.

"Every policy must be data-driven. With accurate data, we can ensure that the programs we implement are truly appropriate and measurable," said Farhan.

He also highlighted Bandung's strategic position as a center of economic growth, particularly in the digital sector, both in West Java and nationally.

Farhan said that the Bandung City Government has an Information Record Service program down to the RW level (LACI RW) to support data integration with BPS.

He confirmed the Bandung City Government's full commitment to ensuring the success of the 2026 Economic Census by providing up-to-date, credible, and accountable data.

"Statistical data must be the foundation for a superior Bandung, a special West Java, and a developed Indonesia," he said. (Bandung City Communications and Information Office/rka)