Statistics Bill Must Adapt to the Data Revolution Era

"The role of BPS as the data guardian and supervisor of data custodians across all ministries and agencies, from central to regional levels, must be strengthened. BPS should lead the way in embracing and shaping the data revolution era," said Bustanul Arifin, Chairman of the Statistics Community Forum (FMS), during a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on Basic Statistics Management with the Drafting Committee for the Bill on Statistics in Jakarta on June 24.

Acting Chief Statistician of BPS, Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti, pointed out several challenges in statistical management. These include the integration of national statistical governance, development of sectoral statistics, modernization of statistical processes, effective oversight, and increased public engagement.

The FGD, aimed at discussing the draft amendments to Law No. 16 of 1997 on Statistics, included participants from the Legislative Body of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), FMS, and all senior leaders of the BPS central office.

The Statistics Bill is listed as a priority in the National Legislation Program for 2024. The amendments are currently in the drafting stage, with the academic manuscript and initial draft being prepared by the Legislative Body of DPR RI. The current Law No. 16 of 1997 on Statistics comprised 12 chapters and 43 articles, while the new draft expands to 14 chapters and 90 articles.

In the era of the data revolution, characterized by the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), the Statistics Bill must be able to anticipate and accommodate inevitable changes. The use of big data and AI is becoming increasingly widespread, particularly as Indonesia positions itself as a hub in the Asia-Pacific region.