In Search of Accurate Data

KOMPAS/LASTI KURNIA

A census officer shows data during a meeting at Statistics Indonesia (BPS) Building 2 of the BPS complex in Jakarta, Sunday (16/2/2020). From this control room, BPS leaders can monitor developments in the 2020 population census and make strategic decisions.

The availability of accurate and valid data is an absolute requirement in achieving all development targets, as data accuracy is the basis and guide in planning and determining the right policies for development.

Therefore, Indonesia has begun to update data through the 2020 Population Census conducted by Statistics Indonesia (BPS) with the main goal of creating a single data set starting from the population. BPS has gained more experience in presenting and updating statistical data. The World Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has appreciated Indonesia\'s ability to collect agricultural data and plans to use BPS’s agricultural data collection method as the model for worldwide use.

However, there are still many parties who doubt the accuracy of BPS data. The indication of this is that many corporations carry out their own research to meet the needs of their business plans. The corporations, including foreign companies, that invest in Indonesia must hire consultants to conduct an independent survey. That can still be understood because corporations need more detailed and specific data, not just aggregate population data, especially if it is related to the needs of start-ups that require specific data related to the digital economy.

The "crisis" in the availability and fulfillment of valid and accurate data requirements is also experienced by ministries and government agencies. Every crucial and strategic policy determination is colored by a prolonged inter-ministerial polemic.

Data sets that are always attractive and enduring are related to the food supply and demand, which is used to determine the import quota. Likewise, data related to the poor population will have implications for the effectiveness of the state budget allocation for poverty alleviation. There is much more socioeconomic data that is often out of sync, even in the internal interpretation of the government. If a single data set is available, accurate and valid, stakeholders need only to refer to the same database.

KOMPAS/LASTI KURNIA

Phone operators work at the 2020 Census Call Center run by Statistics Indonesia (BPS) at Building 2 of the BPS complex in Jakarta on Sunday (16/2/2020). The call center addresses inquiries and complaints related to the 2020 census and operates from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The centers, which exist throughout Indonesia, can be contacted by numbers listed at www.bps.co.id/sp2020.

Certainly, these crucial problems cannot be blamed only on one particular party, including BPS. There is complexity in producing accurate and valid data.

First, the biggest obstacle to providing accurate data is the low level of public cooperation on statistics, such as in providing valid information to capture the real problems of society. For example, respondents may not answer questions with the right information and companies are often reluctant, even unwilling, to provide financial reports transparently.

Second, it is difficult to meet respondents. To overcome this problem, BPS conducts surveys on the weekend. Many respondents, especially companies, are reluctant to provide data. Therefore, in addition to improving the survey methodology, the most important thing for the future is that BPS maintains the confidentiality of data to gain the confidence of all respondents so that they are willing to provide accurate information.

Third, we must produce comprehensive and representative data. Indonesia\'s geographical scope often becomes a technical obstacle in the field. If you have to take data from rural, remote areas, collection is quite challenging and requires considerable effort. If not treated specifically, it is likely that the accuracy of data collection will not be optimal.

Fourth, sectoral data is still weak. Under the existing law, BPS is only responsible for basic data, while sectoral data is the responsibility of ministries and institutions, and specific data is obtained by universities or research institutions. This means that the accuracy of BPS data is not only determined by the methodology but also by the accuracy of the data provided by ministries or agencies.

The fifth problem is associated with changes in social dynamics, the quick movement (mobility and migration) of the population and the rapid development of information technology. Indonesia does not yet have robust data in the socioeconomic sector.

Breakthrough

Digital technology enables all citizens to play an active role by accessing the Population Census 2020 app.

To overcome these obstacles in the 2020 Population Census, BPS is using a combination of methods. The census consists of two stages, namely the online population census (SPO) and conventional data collection through door-to-door interviews. Digital technology enables all citizens to play an active role by accessing the Population Census 2020 app. With electronic ID cards and online family cards, people can directly fill out questionnaires online through the census.bps.go.id page from February to March. Meanwhile, those who cannot participate through the SPO will be visited by enumerators between July 1 and 31.

With this breakthrough in census methodology, it is expected that an accurate single population data set will be available, especially for basic data about the number, composition, distribution and characteristics of the Indonesian population. This basic data is very useful as the basis for development planning and evaluation, including for the fulfillment of social facilities (health, education and communication), investment planning and the preparation of employment. An accurate database will accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

With this breakthrough, the updated data will be more valid, the quality of data collection will improve, and the margin of error will become smaller. In addition to improving the census method, there must also be an evaluation of indicators to ensure data on community socioeconomic dynamics is more valid and realistic.

KOMPAS/Lasti Kurnia

A census officer shows data during a meeting at Statistics Indonesia (BPS) Building 2 of the BPS complex in Jakarta, Sunday (16/2/2020). From this control room, BPS leaders can monitor developments in the 2020 population census and make strategic decisions.

One such indicator is the measurement of economic inequality using a Gini ratio based on expenditure.

If the gap uses the measure of income or wealth, it will better reflect reality in society. The Gini ratio of land ownership in Indonesia is around 0.7. The reality can also be seen from the Gini ratio of wealth through savings in banks. At present, one percent of customers control nearly half of the total third-party funds in banks.

(ENNY SRI HARTATI, Executive Director of the Institute for Development on Economics and Finance)