Indonesia counts on economic census to boost creative economy
Indonesia's Creative Economy Minister, Teuku Riefky Harsya, announced that the upcoming 2026 Economic Census aims to enhance data collection for the country's creative economy. The census will map regional creative industries, improve policy planning, and support efforts to increase the sector's contribution to GDP. Statistics Indonesia (BPS) data indicate that culinary, fashion, television, and radio account for over two-thirds of the creative economy's output, while application and game development, film, animation, and photography are rapidly growing areas. The census involves 251,000 enumerators surveying 92 million households by August 2026 to gather information on employment, businesses, and creative activities. The data collected will aid in developing targeted policies to strengthen the creative economy and support the government's goal of achieving eight percent annual economic growth.
Indonesia is embarking on a significant initiative aimed at bolstering its creative economy through the 2026 Economic Census. This nationwide effort, led by the Ministry of Creative Economy and supported by Statistics Indonesia (BPS), seeks to gather comprehensive data on economic activities, with a particular focus on the creative sectors. The census aims to provide a robust statistical foundation that will guide policy decisions, enhance investment opportunities, and contribute to the country’s broader economic growth goals.
The 2026 Economic Census is set to begin in earnest by the end of August 2026, with BPS deploying 251,000 enumerators to survey approximately 92 million households. These officials will collect detailed information on employment, business operations, and creative economy-related activities. The goal is to map the presence of creative industries across the entire archipelago, from the northernmost point of Sabang to the southernmost tip of Merauke. This extensive coverage is intended to capture even the smallest contributions to the creative economy, ensuring that no segment of economic activity is overlooked.
Creative Economy Minister Teuku Riefky Harsya emphasized the importance of this census in identifying growth opportunities within the creative sector. According to BPS data, the culinary, fashion, television, and radio subsectors currently account for 68.42% of the creative economy's overall contribution. However, other areas such as application and game development, film and animation, and photography are experiencing rapid growth due to advancements in technology. Harsya noted that these emerging subsectors could play a pivotal role in achieving the government’s target of an 8% annual economic growth rate.
The census is not solely focused on the creative economy but will generate a detailed micro-database that can inform future research and targeted policy initiatives. This data will enable more precise and effective strategies to strengthen the creative economy ecosystem. Harsya also highlighted the need for collaboration among government agencies, industry associations, and academic institutions to leverage the insights gained from the census.
Public cooperation and honesty in reporting economic activities have been identified as critical factors for the census's success. BPS Director Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti stressed that the accuracy of the census results hinges on the willingness of individuals and businesses to share truthful information. She underscored that even the smallest economic activities are vital for understanding the nation’s economic landscape. In Lampung, where 8,619 officers will conduct surveys across 15 districts and cities, Widyasanti praised the dedication of the field staff, emphasizing their role as frontline workers in ensuring the census’s success.
The 2026 Economic Census is also seen as a strategic move to align Indonesia with international standards and frameworks. The adoption of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) data model is part of this effort, aiming to enhance the quality and relevance of the collected data. This alignment is expected to facilitate better integration with global markets and attract foreign investments into the creative economy.
As the census progresses, there is anticipation that the data gathered will not only support current policy-making but also lay the groundwork for long-term economic strategies. With the involvement of diverse stakeholders and a commitment to transparency, the 2026 Economic Census represents a pivotal step in Indonesia’s journey toward a more dynamic and resilient creative economy.
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How each side covered it
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Statistics Indonesia (BPS) emphasized the importance of public honesty in reporting economic activities for the success of the 2026 Economic Census. BPS Head Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti stated that the census relies on accurate information from individuals and businesses, ensuring no economic activity is overlooked. A total of 8,619 field officers will be deployed across 15 districts and cities in Lampung to collect data. Widyasanti encouraged officers to perform their duties with integrity and dedication, aiming to gather comprehensive data that will support economic policymaking, enhance regional competitiveness, and improve public welfare. The census aims to provide a detailed overview of Lampung's economy, contributing to Indonesia's broader economic development.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a neutral report on the preparation and goals of the 2026 Economic Census, emphasizing cooperation between the government, public, and census officers. There is no evident framing that favors one side over another; the content focuses on the logistical and collaborative aspects,
Why these scores (Factual 88 · Objective 92): Factuality is high as it accurately reflects BPS head's statements on the importance of public honesty for the census. Objectivity is strong as it presents the official stance without emotional language or bias.
Antara NewsState / PublicCenterFactual 85Objective 907 days ago
Indonesia's Creative Economy Minister, Teuku Riefky Harsya, announced that the upcoming 2026 Economic Census aims to enhance data collection for the country's creative economy. The census will map regional creative industries, improve policy planning, and support efforts to increase the sector's contribution to GDP. Statistics Indonesia (BPS) data indicate that culinary, fashion, television, and radio account for over two-thirds of the creative economy's output, while application and game development, film, animation, and photography are rapidly growing areas. The census involves 251,000 enumerators surveying 92 million households by August 2026 to gather information on employment, businesses, and creative activities. The data collected will aid in developing targeted policies to strengthen the creative economy and support the government's goal of achieving eight percent annual economic growth.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced overview of the government's initiative to conduct an economic census focused on the creative economy. It includes direct quotes from the Creative Economy Minister, mentions statistical data from Statistics Indonesia (BPS), and outlines both the goals and methods of普查
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 90): Factuality is high as the article accurately reports on the goals and expectations of the 2026 Economic Census as stated by the Creative Economy Minister. It references specific statistics and details about the census process. Objectivity is strong as it presents the minister's statements without ap
Tempo (English)IndependentCenterFactual 70Objective 808 days ago
The article reports that Indonesia's Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) has drawn an analogy between the 2026 Economic Census and a medical check-up, suggesting that the census aims to assess the country's economic health and identify areas needing improvement. The comparison highlights the importance of accurate data collection for informed policymaking. No specific details about the methodology or expected outcomes of the census are provided in the article. The piece focuses on the conceptual framework behind the initiative rather than presenting new findings or controversies.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a neutral analogy without overtly favoring any political agenda or ideology. It emphasizes the functional purpose of the census without taking a stance on its potential implications or outcomes.
Why these scores (Factual 70 · Objective 80): Factuality is lower due to limited content and lack of specifics. The article only mentions the comparison to a medical check-up without elaborating on the methodology or details of the census. Objectivity is moderate as it presents the analogy without clear bias but lacks depth.
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