Census Result Can Improve Voters List

KOMPAS/TOTOK WIJAYANTO

A resident of Bintaro in South Tangerang inputs data to participate in the census by Statistics Indonesia (BPS) on Saturday (15/2/2020). This online population survey will be conducted until March 31. The offline census based on face-to-face interviews is scheduled for July 1 to 31. The 2020 population census is the seventh ever conducted by the state.

JAKARTA, KOMPAS — The outcome of the 2020 Population Census can be used to improve the quality of the final voters list (DPT) for national or local elections, among other purposes. Therefore, citizens are expected to actively participate in the 2020 Population Census.

Social statistics deputy of Statistics Indonesia (BPS) Margo Yuwono said on Monday (17/02/2020) in Jakarta that the data from the Home Ministry’s directorate general of population and civil registry (Dukcapil) would be used as the basis for the 2020 census.

"After the census, we will submit the data to Dukcapil with hopes that it will serve as input or an update to the population database. Hopefully, the data can also be used to determine the final voters list for the upcoming elections," said Margo.

The 2020 Population Census involves two stages. In addition to the online census that began last Saturday and runs through March 2020, it will also employ the door-to-door enumeration method.

Population and civil registry director general Zudan Arif Fakrulloh said that the General Elections Commission (KPU) could use the BPS census data, but that discrepancies with the DPT were still possible.

This could happen, Zudan said, because according to Law No. 7/2017 on Elections, the KPU drew up the DPT by referring to population data on potential voters (DP4) and the DPT from the last election.

KOMPAS/LASTI KURNIA

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

Single data

Coordinating Human Development and Culture Minister Muhadjir Effendy said he had developed a comprehensive interministerial and interinstitutional human resource development strategy. For this reason, a single database set up through the 2020 Population Census was urgently needed for better coordination and targeted interventions.

According to Muhadjir, Indonesia must realize a single data system (SDS). Presidential Regulation No. 39/2019 on Indonesian SDS stated the necessity for single data, both statistical and geospatial. All data must be integrated as a single source and all parties, especially ministries and government agencies, must make a strong commitment to use that data. The SDS would combine aggregate, partial and sector-specific data to prevent overlap.

"For example, infrastructure data must be aligned with poverty data so that infrastructure development truly supports and sustains efforts to lift people from poverty," said Muhadjir.

KOMPAS/LASTI KURNIA

A census worker walks down a hall at the 2020 Population Census Call Center run by Statistics Indonesia (BPS) at Building 2 of the BPS complex in Jakarta on Sunday (16/2/2020). BPS conducts the 2020 census both online and offline. The online form is available from Feb. 15 to March 31, while the offline survey will take place from July 1 to 31, conducted by census officers who will record personal data through interviews.

Population and employment deputy Pungky Sumadi at the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) added that data obtained through the 2020 Population Census could be used to determine the state of manpower, poverty, logistics, housing and employment in the country.

This would be possible because, according to Margo, the census would provide information on the Indonesian population and projections. "Through the census, the demographic bonus can also be viewed. When will the demographic bonus begin and when will it end? This is important for the government to prepare for job creation, , among others," he said. (BOW/SON/TAN/AIK/EVY/JUD