UN Supports BPS in Advancing Rice Data Collection with Earth Observation

JAKARTA, July 16, 2024 – BPS-Statistics Indonesia (BPS) welcomed a delegation from the United Nations, including Eric Deeben from UN ESCAP, Lorenzo de Simone from the FAO, Prof. Gilberto Camara from Brazil's National Institute for Space Research (INPE), and Wayne Wobcke from UNSW Australia. Their visit from July 2-16, 2024, marked a significant step in ongoing efforts to enhance rice data collection methods using Earth Observation (EO) technology. The initiative aims to modernize agricultural statistics through collaboration with global experts, focusing on leveraging big data and satellite imagery to predict rice growth phases.
The visit kicked off with an intensive five-day EO Data Cube Training led by Prof. Gilberto Câmara and inaugurated by Imam Machdi, BPS's Deputy Chief Statistician for Methodology and Statistical Information. This training focused on optimizing the management and processing of vast satellite datasets crucial for agricultural analytics.

Key stakeholders from ministries such as Bappenas, Agriculture, and BRIN (National Research and Innovation Agency) convened for a coordination meeting to strategize on integrating these advancements into national statistical practices. This effort underscores Indonesia's commitment to harnessing innovative technologies for sustainable agricultural development.

The program culminated in a field visit to West Bandung Regency, attended by M. Habibullah, BPS's Deputy Chief Statistician for Production Statistics. The visit aimed to validate data collection methods against real-world rice field conditions, ensuring accuracy and relevance in statistical modeling.

The collaboration between BPS and the UN is expected to foster continued advancements in rice data collection, paving the way for more informed policy decisions and contributing to Indonesia's agricultural modernization efforts.