Executive Training on Mobile Positioning Data for Official Statistics

Digital transformation requires reliable and real-time data to support evidence-based decision-making. In response to this need, the Regional Hub on Big Data and Data Science for Asia and the Pacific organized the Executive Training on Mobile Positioning Data (MPD) for Official Statistics from July 8-10, 2025 in Jakarta.

The training was officially opened by Acting Principal Secretary of BPS, Moh. Edy Mahmud, and the UN Resident Coordinator in Indonesia, Gita Sabharwal, with a keynote speech delivered by Acting Deputy for Statistical Methodology and Information of BPS, Pudji Ismartini. The event aimed to strengthen the capacity of Asia-Pacific countries in adopting official statistics through the use of big data. Participants included representatives from National Statistical Offices (NSOs), Ministry of Tourism Republic of Indonesia, and mobile network operators (MNOs) from Philippines, Cambodia, and Timor-Leste.

Mobile Positioning Data (MPD), a form of big data derived from interactions between mobile devices and network infrastructure, was the main focus of the training. MPD excels in capturing human mobility with high precision, making it a valuable data source for tourism, transportation, and population mobility statistics. Indonesia has successfully utilized MPD through collaboration between BPS and mobile network providers to produce more real-time tourism statistics. This best practice was shared to encourage replication in participating countries.

The discussion covered a range of technical aspects of MPD, ranging from data governance, privacy, personal data protection regulations, and the role of national regulations in facilitating public–private partnerships. The speaker emphasized the importance of clarity in role, transparency, and ethical conduct in the use of MPD for official statistics. Challenges such as technical limitations and regulatory gaps were also addressed, highlighting the need for an inclusive, secure, and sustainable data ecosystem.

The event concluded with a site visit to the BPS Office and the Telkomsel Command Center, offering a firsthand look at the implementation of MPD. This visit marks the significance of a long-term partnership between the statistical institution and mobile network operators.