← All articles

POPULATION

Population projection and census: what is the difference?

How population projections differ from a census and when each figure should be used.

Short answer

A projection uses census results and demographic assumptions to estimate the population in later years. A census counts the population at the time of enumeration. They are not the same type of figure.

How the figure is defined

The 2025 figure on Rekapitulasi is a BPS projection of 284.44 million people.

Population figures on the site come from a BPS table with a stated period and unit. Read the title, year, geography, and unit together so the number keeps its context.

How to make a comparison

Use the same year and geographical boundaries. Calculate an absolute difference for a change in count, and use a percentage only when the denominator and period are clear.

Limits on conclusions

A projection is not a direct count and may change when assumptions or source material are updated. Check the original publication before using the figure for decisions or formal reporting.

Frequently asked questions

What is the source for the figure in this article?

The article uses the government source linked in its sources section. The period and measurement limits follow that publication.

Does this figure update in real time?

No. Rekapitulasi presents a curated snapshot. Check the government source for releases or revisions published after the article date.

Government sources

Explore the related statistic →

This article explains the site’s snapshot and does not claim that the data is the latest release.