"BPS welcomes the implementation of APCAS in Indonesia because this forum is very important to improve the agricultural system in the Asia Pacific," Suhariyanto, head of BPS, said in a statement in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Suhariyanto said that adequate agricultural statistics data supported the fulfillment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely achieving food security, eradicating hunger, fulfilling nutrition and sustainable agriculture.
"Provision of accurate, relevant and timely agricultural statistics data support the SDGs," he said.
In addition, the implementation of APCAS is in line with the plan of the BPS to hold a 2023 agricultural census. As a result, the forum can be a place to seek experiences from other countries that have used technology in sampling.
Currently, Indonesia continues to develop agricultural policies based on agriculture and food statistics to overcome the problem of differences in data that used to occur.
The difference is caused by the use of various concepts, definitions, and methodologies that hinder the coordination of the Ministry or Institutions in formulating policies related to food.
In addition, Head of the Center for Data and Information at the Ministry of Agriculture, Ketut Kariyasa, revealed that there was no difference in data due to the presence of integrated agricultural data at the central, provincial and district levels.
"The availability of accurate data in accordance with the facts becomes very important as a foundation in the formulation of appropriate agricultural development programs and policies to achieve the targets set," he said.
By hosting the APCAS that takes place on February 10-14, 2020, Indonesia has become a historical place to produce solutions related to the use of technology in providing agricultural and food statistics.
A representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Indonesia, Stephen Rudgard, welcomed the event, which will be attended by 31 FAO member countries.
Indonesia has become a country with significant economic progress and population growth.
The increase in population, he continued, could create major challenges for the Indonesian government related to issues of food security, poverty alleviation and climate change.
"Agriculture is the root and solution to this challenge. Progressive and responsive agricultural policies are very important to ensure sustainable development toward advanced Indonesia. Agricultural statistics are the basis and foundation of the policy," he said. Related news: Jokowi highlights economy-boosting pointers for agriculture-fisheries
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Translator: Satyagraha, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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