Cabinet Secretary Attends National Meeting on Integrated Socioeconomic Data

Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya on Thursday (11/13) attends the National Coordination Meeting on the National Integrated Socioeconomic Data (DTSEN), held by Ministry of Social Affairs and the Statistics Indonesia (BPS) in Jakarta. Photo by: (PR/HIM).

Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya on Thursday (11/13) attended the National Coordination Meeting on the National Integrated Socioeconomic Data (DTSEN), held by Ministry of Social Affairs and the Statistics Indonesia (BPS) in Jakarta.

Addressing participants from across Indonesia, the Cabinet Secretary emphasized the importance of an integrated data system as the foundation for implementing government programs.

“Policies are meaningless without data. Under President Prabowo’s administration, data is now consolidated in one institution, namely the BPS. For the first time in history, all data has been brought together to serve as a common reference and shared guideline,” the Cabinet Secretary said.

He reminded heads of Social Affairs Offices and BPS officials from provincial and regency or city levels to ensure the accuracy of the DTSEN so that government programs and social assistance reach the right recipients.

“There must be no inaccurate data, no errors, and no cases where someone who deserves assistance is left unrecorded,” he stated.

On the occasion, the Cabinet Secretary also conveyed President Prabowo Subianto’s appreciation to all those who have worked hard to ensure the accuracy of the DTSEN.

“President Prabowo extends his respect and gratitude for your hard work, dedication, and noble efforts, which have enabled the government’s programs and policies to be implemented effectively up to today and into the future,” he said.

The national meeting, with the theme of “Statistics for Social Justice,” aimed to strengthen coordination in data management as the foundation for accurate, equitable, and targeted social protection and empowerment policies.

Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf expressed appreciation for the collaboration between the BPS and regional governments in developing an accurate and integrated national data system.

In the meantime, head of the BPS Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti also underscored the importance of accuracy as the cornerstone of government policymaking.

“The DTSEN is not merely a collection of numbers; it is a portrait of the lives of the Indonesian people, and its accuracy must be maintained,” Amalia stated.

During the meeting, the Cabinet Secretary also had a dialogue with several regional heads of Social Affairs Offices and the BPS officials from across Indonesia, who shared the challenges they face in achieving accurate and equitable socioeconomic data. Representatives from Aceh, Papua, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), and North Sulawesi took part in the discussion.

“Representatives from all over Indonesia are here. We have participants from Aceh, Papua, North Sulawesi, and NTT, representing every region. I would like to listen to your stories,” the Cabinet Secretary said.

Head of the Social Affairs Office of Keerom Regency, Papua, Kornelia Pekey, described the difficulties of data collection in border areas due to extreme geographical conditions and high transportation costs. Kornelia expressed hope that the central government would provide additional support to ease data collection efforts in the region.

Head of the Social Affairs Office of Southeast Aceh, Bahagiawati, highlighted transportation challenges in the region, and the implementation of government programs such as Free Nutritious Meals and Sekolah Rakyat.

In the meantime, Head of the BPS of Manado, Novri Poultje Mokoagouw, stated that the public asked for clarification of data classifications in the DTSEN.

“Many come to our office asking for their classification to be changed, and we provide explanations based on the established methodology, and they can accept that,” Novri said.

Head of the BPS of Rote Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, Yustinus Siga, expressed appreciation for President Prabowo Subianto’s initiative to develop the DTSEN.

“After thirty years of service, I am truly happy today, because Indonesia has agreed to use one integrated data system, managed by the BPS,” Yustinus said.

Responding the participants, the Cabinet Secretary assured that the government, through relevant Ministries and Institutions, would immediately follow up all their concerns to ensure that the national socioeconomic data collection process proceeds effectively and accurately, in line with the directives of the President.

“I can assure you that the relevant Ministries will address these issues. Indonesia is indeed a large country, and it takes time to address all the issues, but we will make sure the issues are resolved as soon as possible,” the Cabinet Secretary remarked. (HIM) (RI/LW)