A New Chapter in BPS–ABS Cooperation: Strengthening Synergies for Modern and Trusted Statistics

Bali, 1 December 2025 — Statistics Indonesia (BPS) and the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) have officially signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the period 2025–2029, marking three decades of close partnership between Indonesia and Australia in the development of official statistics. The renewal represents an important milestone in advancing the modernization of national statistical systems amid rapidly evolving global dynamics.

Over the past thirty years, BPS–ABS cooperation has served as a key foundation for improving the quality of Indonesia’s official statistics. Under the renewed MoU, both institutions have agreed to strengthen collaboration across four strategic priority areas.

First, enhancing the quality of official statistics, particularly in national accounts, price statistics, production statistics, and environmental statistics. BPS and ABS are committed to building a more robust and efficient statistical system by aligning with international statistical business process standards. Second, accelerating statistical modernization through the adoption of advanced methodologies, the use of administrative data and big data for official statistics, and the application of machine learning techniques. Third, strengthening human resource capacity in the field of statistics; and fourth, deepening Indonesia’s engagement in international statistical forums.

“The relationship between BPS and ABS has been well established for more than three decades. Since the first MoU was signed in 1995, cooperation between our two institutions has strengthened statistical methodologies, enhanced human resource capacity, improved digital systems, and promoted the adoption of international best practices,” said Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti, the Chief Statistician of BPS, at the signing ceremony in Bali on Monday (1 December).

The renewal of the MoU is aligned with Indonesia’s foreign policy direction, which emphasizes partnerships that deliver tangible benefits to national interests. It is also consistent with the foreign policy of President Prabowo Subianto, which seeks to further strengthen diplomatic relations and cooperation with Australia.

“This year marks thirty years of close cooperation between ABS and BPS. Over this period, the collaboration has delivered substantial benefits to both institutions. Today’s MoU renewal represents a joint step forward—growing together, looking to the future, and honoring the long-standing partnership built on mutual respect,” said David Gruen, the Australian Statistician and Head of ABS, in expressing his appreciation for the BPS–ABS partnership.

Through the renewed MoU, BPS reaffirmed its commitment to remaining responsive to user needs, continuously adapting to global developments, and strengthening international cooperation to further enhance the quality of Indonesia’s official statistics.

“Today, we agree to take this cooperation to a higher level—not only by strengthening our partnership, but also by building a lasting friendship. Through closer relations, we foster trust and mutual respect, enabling both institutions to grow together and support each other in achieving the shared vision of becoming world-class national statistical offices in the future,” Amalia added.

The event was also attended by the Minister of National Development Planning/Head of Bappenas, Prof. Dr. Rachmat Pambudy, who delivered the keynote address and highlighted the strategic importance of BPS–ABS cooperation. He noted that the signing of the MoU reflects the recent state visit of President Prabowo Subianto to Australia and his meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, during which both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations through equal and mutually beneficial partnerships. In this context, closer cooperation between BPS and ABS is both highly strategic and relevant.

Rachmat Pambudy further emphasized that President Prabowo Subianto places strong attention on the quality of statistical data, consistently referring to key indicators produced by BPS, including economic growth, poverty rates, unemployment rates, housing statistics, and other core national indicators.

Also in attendance were the Deputy Chief Statistician of Indonesia, Sonny Harry Budiutomo Harmadi, Australia’s Acting Ambassador to Indonesia, Gita Kamath, as well as representatives from provincial and district governments across Bali Province.