Regional Statistics with a Difference
The ABS has a commitment of assisting to build statistical capacity in Indonesia. This has been undertaken through a series of assistance measures with BPS (Badan Pusat Statistik).
The previous Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between ABS and BPS was signed by the two agencies in April 2004. On 23 June, a four man delegation from BPS Indonesia travelled to Canberra to sign a new Memorandum of Understanding.
Enroute they visited the Western Australian office of the ABS to see how a regional office operates since BPS is required to provide reliable statistical information at both the national level and provincial level (there are 33 provinces in Indonesia).
Members of the Indonesian delegation met with the Executive Directors of ABS WA and shared a traditional Indonesian meal during their visit. Over the next three years AusAID may provide a significant body of assistance to BPS to further enhance collaboration between the two countries.