The cheerful faces of the Diploma III (DIII) Statistics Study Program students were radiant when they visited the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) on Thursday (March 21st). The visit was intended to gain a closer understanding of the work and products of BPS. The DIII students, who are currently in their second year, were accompanied by Deputy Director I (Dr. Hardius Usman, M.Si), Head of Study Program III (Agung Priyo Utomo, S.Si, MT), Secretary of Study Program DIII (Aisyah Fitri Yuniasih, SST, SE, M.Si), and Academic Advisors (Lia Yuliana, S.Si, MT and Siskarossa Ika Oktora, SST, M.Stat). The group from Polstat STIS was welcomed by the Head of the Public Opinion Management Subdivision (Widodo, SE, MM). In his remarks, the Deputy Director I stated that the visit to BPS is an annual routine activity conducted by the Diploma III (DIII) Study Program so that students can better understand BPS and connect with it. This is because Polstat STIS (Student Statistics Department) is an integral part of BPS, despite being a separate work unit. Diploma III students are not only equipped with statistical knowledge but also trained to become field managers. "Prepare yourselves to become future BPS leaders," he emphasized in his closing remarks.

Diploma III students were very enthusiastic when Stefanie Intan Christienova, SST, M.Stat from the Statistics Promotion Section delivered a presentation on Statistical Products and Services. In this presentation, Nova (the speaker's nickname) explained that BPS has now transformed to keep up with technological developments, with various BPS publications now digital-based. Currently, demand for BPS products is very high, not only aggregate data and microdata, but also wilkerstat (statistical work area) maps. BPS products are used not only by the government but also by private companies, researchers, and other stakeholders. The services provided by BPS are integrated into the Integrated Statistics Service, which includes the provision of publications both in libraries and electronically, microdata provisions, statistical consultations, and statistical recommendations. Data consumers now have easy access to BPS data, not only through the official BPS website but also through the Android-based Allstats application. The statistics promotion section also held an interactive session, offering questions and prizes, which the students enthusiastically responded to.

Maslim Rajab Syafrizal, SST, M.Si., from the Statistics Activity Recommendation Section, explained the importance of metadata in all data produced, whether in the form of text, images, or collections of files. Data is an investment, and metadata is used as part of the data documentation, covering the stages of processing, quality control, definition, and use. Metadata facilitates data retrieval and prevents potential data misuse (duplication).

The BPS Public Relations Department also conducted a brainstorming session on the job descriptions the students will face as BPS employees. The video of Linus Gobay, a District Statistics Coordinator (KSK) in Jayapura Regency, Papua Province, whose persistent struggle to obtain accurate data is expected to inspire students. He suffered an accident while on duty, but throughout his recovery, he remained steadfast in his service. The dedication of an employee who loves his job proves to be a strength in overcoming various obstacles. He also had the opportunity to attend Jakarta to receive an award as an exemplary KSK.

Armed with robust statistical knowledge, communication skills, and a strong mentality, DIII graduates are expected to become not only spearheads of statistics but also agents of change in their respective areas.