How Important is Data Today?

For many people data is just a breeze and it may just be a hassle to acquire and manage it.

But far above this function, data serves as a benchmark or as a reference in making decisions.

Data is the plural form of datum, derived from Latin which means something given.

In science (scientific), facts are collected to become data.

The data is then processed so that it can be stated clearly and precisely so that it can be understood by others who have not directly experienced it themselves, this is called a description.

“Right now data is “new oil” even more valuable than oil. Valid data is the main key to the success of a country's development," said President Joko Widodo at the launch of the 2020 population census at the State Palace, Jakarta, Friday, January 24, 2020.

According to the president, valid data is needed to formulate plans, then budget, make policies to execute these policies for effective results in making the right decisions.

In the current digital and technological era, data plays an important role so that the public can find out the achievements of programs that have been carried out by the government.

For this reason, collaboration and joint commitment between stakeholders are needed so that data can be available and accounted for.

The government agency responsible for providing statistical data is the Central Statistics Agency (BPS).

One of the roles carried out by BPS is to provide data needs for the government and the community.

This data is obtained from censuses or surveys conducted by BPS themselves and also obtained from other government departments or agencies as secondary data.

The results of statistical data organized by BPS are published in the Official Statistics Gazette regularly and transparently so that the public can easily find out and or obtain the data needed.