West Java DPRD Supports PKB Not to Rise, Dedi Mulyadi Asked to Chase Luxury Vehicle Taxes

BANDUNG - Deputy Chairman of the West Java DPRD, Iwan Suryawan, welcomed positively the policy of Governor Dedi Mulyadi who chose not to raise the Motor Vehicle Tax (PKB) tariff in 2026. According to Iwan, this step is a form of real empathy of the local government towards the economic burden of the community which is not yet fully stable.

"In principle, we in the DPRD fully support the Governor's policy of not raising taxes. This is an oasis for the people of West Java. In the midst of rising prices of various necessities, the decision not to increase the tax burden on vehicles is a right and pro-people step," said Iwan Suryawan, Thursday, March 5.

However, behind this support, Iwan gave a critical note regarding the impact of this policy on the regional income structure. He reminded that the people's favor should not make the government complacent in managing other revenue positions.

"This support does not mean that there is no record. We must be realistic that PKB is the backbone of our PAD. If the tariff is withheld or even discounted for yellow plates, then the Governor must be able to guarantee that the annual revenue target is not missed. Don't let us be pro-people on one side, but the construction of roads and bridges is stopped because the local government's cash is empty," said the PKS politician.

Iwan highlighted the importance of intensification rather than expansion. He urged the government to be more aggressive in pursuing tax arrears, especially from owners of luxury vehicles who have often escaped surveillance.

"Don't just keep the tariff, but the billing system must be more 'aggressive'. There are still many luxury vehicles in West Java that are delinquent in taxes up to billions of rupiah. This is what must be pursued. Tax justice must be upheld; small citizens are helped with fixed tariffs, but wealthy citizens must be forced to obey the rules," he said.

He also asked for assurances that this policy would not cut the revenue sharing fund (DBH) for district/city governments which are highly dependent on this tax sector.

"The Provincial Government must ensure that this tax policy does not have an impact on reducing the development budget in second-level regions. Synchronization of data and coordination between regions is the key so that no regent or mayor screams because his tax revenue is drastically reduced," explained Iwan.

Furthermore, Iwan encouraged a leap in digitization in the tax payment system to close the gap in illegal levies and administrative leaks.

"Digitalization should not just be a slogan. If the tax rate does not increase, then bureaucratic efficiency must be improved. We must ensure that every rupiah paid by the public goes intact into the regional treasury without being cut by individuals in the field. Close the leakages, then the income will be maintained even though the tariff does not increase," he said.

Iwan also gave input that West Java BUMD should start to be encouraged to find non-tax revenue sources to support the governor's fiscal policy.

"The governor must start looking at BUMD dividends and optimizing regional assets. If we do not raise vehicle taxes for the people, then other regional economic engines must be forced to work harder to cover the fiscal gap," he said.

At the end of his response, Iwan Suryawan emphasized that the DPRD would be a critical partner in monitoring the implementation of this policy so that it remains on the right track.

"We support this good intention, but we will remain critical of the report on the realization of revenue every month. West Java needs leaders who are brave enough to take populist policies, but still have accurate technical calculations so that the region does not go bankrupt in the middle of the road," concluded Iwan.