Concerns Regarding Methodological Restrictions in the Draft Bill on Statistics

The drafting of Draft Bill (“Statistic Bill”) on Amendment to Law No. 16 of 1997 on Statistics (“Law 16/1997”) raises concerns about the scientific flexibility of data and statistics activities.

Statistician, Philipus Parera, explained that the Statistics Bill contains provisions related to the National Data and Statistics Agency (Badan Data dan Statistik Nasional - “BDSN”) which will establish guidelines for statistical methodology. These guidelines serve as a mandatory reference for organizing data and statistics activities. He argued that the role of BDSN has the potential to hinder surveys and research, as well as to limit scientific freedom.

“But if it refers to a specific methodology, I'm afraid it will limit innovation and creativity. The development of surveys or research could be hindered,” said Philipus, who is also the Director of Tempo Data and Analysis Center (Pusat Data dan Analisis Tempo/PDAT), after a meeting with the House of Representatives (Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat/DPR).

Based on the Statistic Bill document owned by Hukumonline, Article 21 paragraph (3) of the Statistic Bill stipulates that the BDSN is responsible

for preparing a statistical methodology guideline, which will serve as a reference for designing statistical methodologies.

"The design of Statistical methodology as referred to in paragraph (1) must adhered to the international Statistical methodology guidelines and/or the national Statistical methodology published by the BDSN for the organizer of Basic Statistics and Sectoral Statistics," reads Article 21 Paragraph (3) of the Statistic Bill.