BPS Starts 2020 Population Census in September

Kick-off ceremony of national population census, on Monday (31/8). (Photo by: Central Statistics Agency PR)

Central Statistics Agency (BPS) will carry out national population census through door-to-door technique in September 2020 to complement the online census which was held between 15 February and 29 May that registered 51.36 million people.

According to the Head of BPS Kecuk Suhariyanto, the figure of registered citizens is very large, it is nearly twice the population of Australia. “It shows that census has become part of the people’s life. Nevertheless, our task has not done yet,” he said during the opening of Kick-off Ceremony of National Population Census 2020, at the Central Statistics Agency (BPS)’ Headquarters, on Monday (31/8).

He went on to say that the remaining 81 percent of Indonesia’s population must be registered. There will be several adjustments in collecting the data, one of which by dividing regions into three zones. The other adjustment is regarding training for officers during COVID-19 pandemic.

“Training which used to be done face-to-face must be replaced by program which will be aired on public broadcaster TVRI and radio broadcaster RRI. Health protocols must also be implemented strictly. Census officers must take rapid test before working, as well as wearing face mask, face shield, gloves, and maintaining physical distancing,” the BPS Head said.

The Kick-off Ceremony also featured a number of institutions and figures that support the Census 2020, among others, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Australian Bureau of Statistics, Ministry of Home Affairs, and several governors.

In the meantime, Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian who attended the event virtually affirmed his support for the census. “Data collected in the Census 2020 will update the population and civil registration data. The data is really important for development planning, evaluation, and formulating national programs,” he explained.

Also on that occasion, Kecuk Suhariyanto asserted that the success of the Census 2020 depends on the officers and the public. “We hope the public to cooperate with the officers since the Census 2020 is our common responsibility according to our respective roles. For the officers, I hope you can do your best in completing your tasks,” he concluded. (Central Statistics Agency PR/EN)

Translated by : Rany Anjany
Reviewed by:  Yuyu Mulyani