IDNAround – Ahead of the 2023 Agricultural Census, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo demanded it be conducted every five years, instead of ten years. Besides, it does not need a high cost of around Rp3 trillion.
The last census was launched a decade ago in 2013. The gap is too long because conditions change every year, while government decisions still use the same data from ten years ago.
“How can I decide on a policy if the data is inaccurate and not up to date,” he said when opening the Agricultural Census at the State Palace, Jakarta, Monday, May 15, 2023.
He admitted that data on agricultural land and fertilizers are often lacking and inaccurate. He also underlined that the census is fundamental as it involves the lives of many people.
“Policy accuracy is needed and policy accuracy requires data accuracy,” the state head remarked. “Therefore, I fully support the implementation of the 2023 agricultural census.”
He hoped that this census will actually produce the most recent, accurate, and reliable data. He also asked all stakeholders in the agricultural sector to succeed in this program which will be held from June 1 to July 30, 2023.
“This means that [new data] will complete in the next two months and after that, we get accurate and quality data,” Jokowi concluded.
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