Statistics Indonesia (Badan Pusat Statistik/BPS) has addressed public misconceptions alleging that data gathered during the ongoing 2026 Economic Census would be handed over to tax authorities. BPS identified public skepticism as one of its primary operational hurdles since the nationwide census launched on May 1, 2026.
Disinformation circulating online had incorrectly linked the economic census to taxpayer mapping. These rumors caused several business owners to hesitate or withhold operational details from field enumerators.
“This census is conducted strictly for statistical purposes, not for tax enforcement or revenue collection," clarified BPS Head Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti at Jakarta City Hall on Monday (13/7/2026).
Amalia emphasized that public misgivings stem from misinformation regarding the scope of the census. Under Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number 16 of 1997 concerning Statistics, BPS is legally bound to protect respondent confidentiality. Survey data cannot be shared for tax audits, law enforcement, or any non-statistical uses.
The Economic Census provides a macroeconomic snapshot of Indonesia's evolving commercial landscape, tracking high-growth sectors, underperforming industries, MSME dynamics, and structural business needs. The resulting data enables policymakers to craft targeted economic strategies that improve the national business and investment climate.
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To fortify survey infrastructure, BPS partnered with the National Cyber and Crypto Agency to secure field servers. A self-service online portal is also available for respondents who prefer to complete the questionnaire digitally.
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo encouraged business owners to report accurate data without concern, noting that BPS metrics form the benchmark for local government planning, ranging from social assistance, Kartu Jakarta Pintar and Kartu Jakarta Mahasiswa Unggul program allocations, to commercial zoning.
“Data confidentiality is legally guaranteed. The public should feel fully confident providing accurate information," Pramono stated.
While the Economic Census maps broader economic health to guide national policy, tax collection serves as a core pillar of state governance, as it provides the primary revenue needed to fund public expenditure and drive national development.
Also read:
Purbaya Affirms No Rate Hikes, Focus on Tax Base Expansion
The Chart of Accounts for Coretax Reporting
Article 26 Withholding Tax on Foreign Taxpayers
