Public resistance has manifested in various regions, where residents have reportedly turned away census workers due to fears that their business data will be shared with tax authorities.
The Tangerang City Government has already begun implementing specific guidance for residents, including the use of the TIR (Tanda Identitas Resmi) or Official Identity Mark, to help citizens verify the legitimacy of officers visiting their premises.
Why are citizens rejecting the Economic Census?
A primary driver of public refusal is the persistent belief that census data is linked to tax audits. Tribrata News has flagged claims that the Economic Census is conducted for tax purposes as "hoaxes."
Beyond tax fears, there is a broader issue of declining trust in government data collection. Many respondents report a lack of tangible benefits from previous surveys, leading to "survey fatigue" and a perception that the information provided is not used to improve their local economic conditions.
What are the legal consequences for refusing a census?
Under Indonesian law, participation in official statistics is mandated. According to reporting by Kompas.id, there are legal sanctions for those who intentionally refuse to participate in census interviews or provide false information.
How is the government addressing the trust deficit?
Political figures, including members of the Gerindra Party, have urged the BPS to overhaul its public education approach. According to detikNews, these recommendations include more aggressive socialization campaigns that explain the specific utility of statistical surveys in a way that resonates with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
- Verification Tools: Promoting the TIR (Official Identity Mark) so citizens can instantly verify a worker’s credentials.
- Localized Engagement: Working with local government leaders, such as the Tangerang City administration, to vouch for the census’s legitimacy at the neighborhood level.
The impact of inaccurate economic data
The next critical phase for the BPS involves the rollout of pre-census socialization, leading up to the full implementation of the 2026 Economic Census.