We all need statistics.Jakarta (ANTARA) - Agriculture Minister Syahrul Yasin Limpo has said that statistical data is important for building a plan for the national agriculture sector.
"A well-structured plan concept can only be generated from statistical data. Therefore, the data should not be biased by any interests," he remarked at an online webinar held to mark the 2021 National Statistics Day and Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) Awards here on Saturday.
Statistical data must not be manipulated as it helps determine policy direction, he affirmed.
He then invited all stakeholders to commemorate National Statistics Day as part of a concept consolidation, which should be encouraged.
"We all need statistics. Considering that the agriculture sector is the backbone of this country, a well-developed agriculture sector based on statistics will improve the regional and national economic capacity," he argued.
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Furthermore, one of the crucial roles of the agriculture sector for Indonesia is to fulfill the needs of its 273 million people, he said.
In addition, the agriculture sector provides the most employment opportunities, thus it can strengthen the basic economy of a nation, he added.
"Can we do it all without data? Thus, statistics are important as successful planning has to start with accurate data," Limpo remarked.
Earlier, the minister had said that the agricultural sector is among the sectors which are still growing despite the difficulties caused by the prolonged pandemic.
According to a BPS report, the sector’s growth has remained positive.
Hence, the agricultural sector is an important sector that cannot be underestimated as it has always been the key to economic growth, Limpo said.
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Translator: Aji Cakti, Uyu Liman
Editor: Suharto
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