BPS and ABS Strengthen International Statistical Cooperation

Acting Principal Secretary of Statistics Indonesia (BPS), Dadang Hardiwan, accompanied by Acting Head of the Public Relations and Legal Affairs Bureau, Darusman, paid an official visit to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) headquarters in Canberra, Australia, from February 3 to 7, 2025. The visit aimed to reinforce the long-standing collaboration between BPS and ABS by establishing a renewed cooperation framework for 2025-2026, assessing past initiatives, and identifying future challenges.

The delegation also included representatives from the ABS-BPS Cooperation Program Management Office and Team Phitu, the winner of the 2024 Indonesia Data Hackathon (INDATHON). This prestigious competition, held from September 17 to 19, 2024, was a joint initiative between BPS, ABS, and Prospera (Australia-Indonesia Partnership for Economic Development).

The BPS delegation was welcomed by Phillip Gould, Deputy Australian Statistician for Data and Statistical Practices, at ABS House in Belconnen (3/2). In his remarks, ABS Chief David Gruen reaffirmed ABS’s commitment to its three-decade partnership with BPS and praised Team Phitu’s research on demographic shifts.

Supported by ABS, Team Phitu had the opportunity to engage with the Department of Health and Aging Care (DoHAC), the Department of Social Services (DSS), and the Australian National University (ANU)-Indonesia Project. During these visits, Team Phitu presented their study, “Living Longer Is Not Enough,” and gained valuable insights into how Australian government agencies (ABS, DoHAC, DSS) collaborate to produce data-driven policy decisions.

In addition to the discussions with ABS, the BPS delegation was warmly received by the Indonesian Ambassador to Australia and Vanuatu, H.E. Siswo Pramono, at the Ambassador’s Residence, where they enjoyed traditional Indonesian delicacies.