Tax amnesty is a chance to contribute to Indonesia's development, President says

Jakarta, InfoPublik - President Joko Widodo said that tax amnesty policy is not only for conglomerates, but also for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). “Not only does the policy aim at the conglomerates, but also MSMEs and those who don’t have NPWP [Tax Identification Number]. They can get the number,” said President Jokowi—as he commonly known—at tax amnesty dissemination forum at Hall D2 JIExpo Kemayoran, Jakarta on Monday (8/1).

The law on tax amnesty has become an opportunity for the citizens to participate in the country’s development. “Those who have asset in the country can declare it, and so can those who have it in abroad. This is a competition between countries. This is a chance to contribute to the country,” he said.

He underlined that this policy is purely in the context of taxation. “Do not speculate or politicize on it. This is a matter of taxation,” he said.

He also guaranteed the data confidentiality of the taxpayers who take this opportunity. “It [the data] cannot be used as an evidence for investigation, be asked by anyone, and be given by anyone. Those who leak it, I remind all tax officers, are subjected to five years imprisonment maximum,” he highlighted.

He said that law enforcers have clearly supported the tax amnesty policy. “Attorney General, National Police Chief, and PPATK [Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center] Chairman have signed the supporting document,” he said in the event that was also attended by the three.

President explained that through this policy, the government can build the country from private fund. “APBN [State Budget] is not needed to build toll roads and ports. It will be allocated to village fund, health service, education, and so forth. That is the goal,” he said. (Translator: Filmon Warouw)