Working Visit of Chief Statistician of Statistics Indonesia (BPS) to North Sumatra

Chief Statistician of Statistics Indonesia (BPS), Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti, conducted a working visit to North Sumatra Province on August 21–22, 2025. During the visit, Amalia, together with the North Sumatra Governor, M. Bobby Afif Nasution, served as speakers at the Economic Development Coordination Meeting attended by Regents and Mayors of North Sumatra at the Tengku Rizal Nurdin Hall, Governor’s Official Residence.

Governor Bobby stated that the collaboration established with the BPS Office of North Sumatra Province, particularly in providing quality data, has been highly beneficial for the provincial government in formulating development policies. Meanwhile, Amalia emphasized the importance of using macroeconomic indicators as a foundation for designing well-targeted policies to drive development in North Sumatra.

The next day (August 21), Chief Statistician of Statistics Indonesia attended the Inauguration of the Association of Indonesian Economic Scholars (ISEI) Medan Branch, North Sumatra Coordinator for the 2025–2028 Term. On the same occasion, Amalia also delivered a public lecture at the Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Sumatra Utara, with the topic “Behind the 5.12 Percent Economic Growth Figure.” Amalia explained that BPS is an institution that performs calculations based on data collected in the field, rather than making projections. “So, calculating and measuring (economic growth) is different from making projections,” she said. Amalia further revealed that in compiling GDP figures, 1,058 variables are used from various sources, both from the production and expenditure sides.

On the same day, Chief Statistician of Statistics Indonesia also had the opportunity to visit the BPS Office of North Sumatra Province. Amalia encouraged the staff to consistently fill public spaces with statistical information that enlightens and fosters optimism. She also reaffirmed that all BPS employees must maintain data quality at every stage of statistical activities, ensuring that the policies formulated by stakeholders truly deliver a positive impact on society.

Photo and article: Public Relations of the BPS Office of North Sumatra Province