Ground Truth Mixed Method in Indramayu to Strengthen Agricultural Data Collection

Indramayu, September 11, 2024 – In an effort to improve the quality of agricultural statistics, the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) conducted a ground truth activity for the Mixed Method integrated with the Sample Area Framework (KSA) in Indramayu Regency. The activity was led by Mr. Joko Parmiyanto, Director of Statistical Information Systems at BPS Indonesia, and was held over three days, from September 9 to 11, 2024. The event was attended by three representatives from BPS Headquarters, two from BPS West Java Province, and five from BPS Indramayu, all working together to validate field data on rice growth phases in various sample points.

The use of the Mixed Method, integrated with KSA and Earth Observation (EO) technology, is part of BPS' strategic efforts to modernize the process of collecting agricultural production data, particularly rice. This initiative aligns with the programs of BAPPENAS, BRIN, and the Ministry of Agriculture, which prioritize the use of advanced technology to obtain more accurate agricultural data. By utilizing satellite imagery and the KSA method, BPS aims to refine and perfect the rice production estimation model currently in use.

Mr. Joko Parmiyanto stated that the ground truth activity aims to verify and validate the satellite imagery data previously acquired, ensuring that the developed model accurately reflects field conditions. "The use of Earth Observation data combined with ground truth methods provides a crucial foundation for improving rice growth phase estimation and supports the government’s efforts to enhance food security through reliable statistical information," he said.

Strategic Steps in Food Data Collection

This ground truth activity was carried out in various sample locations in Indramayu Regency, one of Indonesia's key rice production areas. During the activity, the team collected direct field data, focusing on rice growth phases that align with the satellite imagery acquisition period. This validation is vital to ensure that the model built from satellite data can be applied accurately in the field, making the information more representative and reliable.

The fieldwork not only aims to strengthen the rice growth phase estimation model but also to map out areas with potential for Remote Sensing (RS) implementation. BPS noted that different region characteristics require adjustments in data collection methods. Therefore, mapping areas where the Mixed Method can be applied becomes critical to ensuring the technology fits the geographical and agronomical characteristics of each region.

As part of the activity, the team conducted tagging at several sample points in Indramayu Regency to verify land conditions and rice growth phases in the region. A total of 36 geotagging points were targeted, with 32 points handled by the BPS Indramayu team and 4 by supervisors from BPS Headquarters.

Evaluation and Exit Meeting

The ground truth Mixed Method activity concluded with an exit meeting on September 11, 2024, at the BPS Indramayu office. In this meeting, the entire team, including those from BPS Headquarters, BPS West Java Province, and BPS Indramayu, discussed the field activity evaluations as well as the challenges encountered during data collection. The evaluation covered aspects such as the success rate of geotagging data collection, validation of rice growth phase conditions, and challenges related to using the Wilkerstat application for data processing.

The exit meeting not only served as a platform to evaluate the activities conducted but also to draft follow-up plans to make future data collection processes more efficient and accurate. BPS hopes that the use of the Mixed Method integrated with satellite imagery technology will continue to be enhanced and applied in other regions with significant potential for food production, particularly rice.

Through this ground truth activity, BPS is optimistic that the modernization of agricultural statistical processes in Indonesia will proceed smoothly, yielding higher-quality data. In the future, this data will serve as a crucial foundation for policy-making in the agricultural sector, which will ultimately positively impact farmers' welfare and national food security.

With this innovation, BPS reaffirms its commitment to continuously support government programs in providing accurate and reliable data, not only for policymakers but also for academics and agricultural practitioners across Indonesia​