Which to Choose, Census or Survey?

As a government agency providing statistical data in Indonesia, the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) has an important role in planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating the implementation of various activities in all aspects of social and state life in national development. One of the roles of BPS is to provide Statistical Data or Statistical Data Collection for National Development. To obtain this data, there are several ways in which data can be collected, including through Census and Surveys. Maybe some of us want to know, what is a census and what is a survey? Why are only some people surveyed, others not. Census is a complete enumeration of all population units that are the object of observation in an area. For example, activities that are often held at BPS such as the Population Census, Agricultural Census and Economic Census. The 3 Census activities are held every 10 years. Where, the last Population Census was carried out in 2020 or every year ending in '0', the Agricultural Census which will later be carried out in 2023 or in the year ending in number 3. Economic Census which will be carried out in 2026 or in years ending in '6 '. While the survey is an enumeration that is carried out only on a part of the population unit that is the object of observation in an area. For example, surveys at BPS such as Susenas, Sakernas, SHKK, VHTS and other surveys. If we simplify again, the census is the population while the survey is the sample. In the census activity, we record all people or objects, while the survey is only part of the object or person. So, if asked which one is better, between a census or a survey, or when can a census be conducted and when can a survey be conducted? All that can be answered according to their needs and interests.

Because what, for the census it takes more time and longer because what will be recorded is all populations or all objects, and absorbs no small cost even though all populations have been collected and can be presented simply down to the lowest level. Whereas in the survey, because there are only a few data, it takes a short time, costs a little and can be used quickly. However, behind all the advantages, the census and survey also have their own drawbacks. For example, if we want to sell a cake and to make sure our cake is delicious and worth selling, then before we sell it, we can taste a small part of the cake. That's a survey or sample. Meanwhile, if we taste everything until it runs out so that in the end there is no cake that we will sell, that is the census. In closing, between census and survey is a series of activities that cannot be separated. The existence of a survey can strengthen the census and the existence of a census can complement the survey.