BPS: STIS Students Deployed to Accelerate Data Collection in Disaster-Affected Areas of Sumatra

The Chief Statistician of Statistics Indonesia (BPS) RI, Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti, officially dispatched 120 students of Politeknik Statistika STIS (Polstat STIS) to conduct data collection in disaster-affected areas across Sumatra. The deployment utilized Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) C-130 Hercules aircraft in two batches, with a total of 240 students transported on different days. Meanwhile, other students were deployed via commercial flights, bringing the total number of students assigned to disaster-affected areas to 510.

The send-off ceremony took place at Halim Perdanakusuma Airport, Jakarta, on 14 January, and was attended by the Commander of Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base, First Marshal of the Indonesian Air Force Erwin Sugiandi; the Vice Chief Statistician of Statistics Indonesia (BPS) RI, Sonny Harry Budiutomo Harmadi; including members of BPS leadership.

Polstat STIS students were deployed to the provinces of Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra as part of the Acceleration of Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction program, which is integrated with the 2026 Field Work Practice (PKL) of Polstat STIS. The presence of the students is expected to strengthen the provision of post-disaster statistical data as a foundation for planning rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in the affected areas.

In her remarks, Amalia emphasized the critical role of statistical data in accelerating post-disaster recovery. She also encouraged the departing students, stating, “Make the most of this valuable opportunity by giving your best for the nation, the state, and society. Above all, demonstrate that you are the right individuals to carry out disaster-related statistical data collection in affected areas.”

In addition to Polstat STIS students, BPS also deployed 50 staff members from BPS Headquarters, along with personnel from BPS offices at the regency and municipal levels in the affected areas across Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra.