Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia at the Launch of the Implementation of the Agricultural Census, at the State Palace, May 15, 2023

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
Good morning,
May prosperity be upon us all,
Om swastiastu,
Namo buddhaya,
Greetings of virtue.

Distinguished Ministers, Commander of the Indonesian National Defense Forces, Chief of the Indonesian National Police,
Distinguished Head of Statistics Indonesia (BPS) along with all Heads of Provincial BPS in attendance, as well as the census officers who will soon carry out the agricultural census.

Ladies and Gentlemen. Esteemed Guests.

We are all aware that data accuracy is critical to formulating the right policies in the agricultural sector. We often missed it. How much land do we use for agriculture? How much fertilizer does the land need? We often find the data is not ready and not accurate.

Why do we need to conduct the agricultural census? It needs to be conducted since it involves the livelihoods of many people. Hence, the census requires data accuracy to produce the right policies. If we decided to provide nine million tons of subsidized fertilizer, the total amount must come from the previous data. Unfortunately, many farmers on the ground still say, “Sir, we are running out of fertilizer.” Probably, the supply is lacking or the distribution is not well-targeted. However, if the data is accurate already, it can be carried out easily, no complaints on the ground.

To that end, I fully support the implementation of the 2023 agricultural census. And, the last census was carried out 10 years ago. Is that right, Head of BPS? I think the period is just too long. We still use sources published in the past 10 years. It must be updated every five years. The census may only cost Rp3 trillion. How can I decide to formulate policies when the data is not the latest data?

Once again, I support the implementation of the 2023 agricultural census. The census is expected to produce the latest, accurate, and reliable data. The agricultural census will cover agriculture, plantations, animal husbandry, fisheries, and forestry. Everything will be on the census because we know the sector plays a very strategic role. I received the data that the sector contributes 11.8 percent to our total GDP. That is huge.

Be careful, agriculture is also a vulnerable sector due to the threat of global food crisis. As many as 345 million people today are threatened with food shortages that caused global hunger. Because of what? Climate and war. Therefore, the sector plays a pivotal role in the future, a very strategic role in the future. And, it also provides employment, around 40 million people live in this sector. It reaches 29 percent of the total workforce already.

Once again, I support the census. I order all stakeholders in the agricultural sector to participate in the census to make it a success. It will be held from June 1 to July 30. Afterward, we can get accurate and qualified data.

That concludes my remarks on this auspicious occasion. And by saying bismillahirrahmanirrahim, this morning I launch the 2023 Agricultural Census.

I thank you.

Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

(RIF/LW)