Abstract
The development of statistical activities in Indonesia since the 1960s is outlined with special reference to demographic surveys and population censuses. Progress is followed through actual instances of improvement in the 1961, 1971 and 1980 Population Censuses, 1962–1964 Demographic Surveys, 1964–1970 National Socio-Economic Surveys, 1974–1977 Sample Vital Registration Project, and 1976 Intercensal Population Survey. Remarkable progress has obviously been made in various aspects of designing, organizing and conducting these censuses and surveys. Above all, the improvement of survey capability is noted, in particular regarding the conduct of field operations. The development in processing, publication and utilization of the results of the censuses and surveys is also noticeable. With the remarkably improved capacity for statistical investigation of recent years, it is strongly hoped that the gap in demographic data still existing in the dynamic aspects of population change represented by vital statistics will soon be filled, in spite of the various practical difficulties presented by the particular circumstances of Indonesia. The availability of vital statistics will ensure the accuracy and utility of census/survey data on population.
