The 2026 Economic Census in the Riau Islands is targeting all segments of society without exception, including regional leaders. Riau Islands Governor Ansar Ahmad became the first respondent in the data collection process after receiving Statistics Indonesia (BPS) officers at his residence in Tanjungpinang during the third week of June 2026.
The census officers arrived wearing black vests as their official identification. Ansar, accompanied by his wife, Dewi Kumalasari, welcomed the officers and allowed them to conduct the data collection in the living room of his residence.
During the interview process, officers collected information about household conditions and economic activities. The data gathered included types of businesses, income and expenses, as well as assets and facilities owned by the family.
The data collection was conducted using digital devices provided by the officers. Ansar then answered a series of questions covering family information as well as economic activities owned or operated by himself and his family members.
The former Bintan Regent said he currently owns only one small and medium-sized enterprise (SME), a coffee shop in Tanjungpinang that has been operating since 2017. Officers also examined the possibility of other economic activities, including services, industry, boarding-house businesses, and digital-based activities.
The Economic Census is a BPS program conducted every 10 years to obtain a comprehensive picture of economic activities and business units across the country. The data collection is not limited to large businesses but also covers community businesses and household economic activities that fall within the census scope.
Ansar’s participation as the first respondent in the Riau Islands also sends a message that every segment of society has a role in providing economic data. The regional government is encouraging residents to welcome census officers and provide information that accurately reflects their actual conditions.
According to Ansar, complete and accurate data is an important factor in determining policy direction. The information collected can serve as a basis for development planning, the preparation of economic programs, and more targeted decision-making.
Therefore, the success of the 2026 Economic Census depends not only on field officers but also on the willingness of the public to provide complete and truthful information.
Fajar Santoso is a lifestyle and travel writer at RakyatPost who focuses on culture, tourism, modern living, and destination storytelling across Asia and beyond. With a passion for discovering unique experiences and local traditions, he creates engaging content that inspires readers to explore new places, lifestyles, and perspectives. His writing blends informative journalism with creative storytelling to deliver meaningful and reader-friendly travel and lifestyle coverage.
