Tax Increase, In The Middle Of Strangled Communities

Photos Of Luthfiah VOI's Work

JAKARTA - This year's increase in Land and Building Taxes (PBB) triggered a wave of protests in various regions. A number of residents admitted that they were surprised after receiving a Debt Tax Return (SPPT) whose value jumped by more than 200 percent compared to the previous year. On the one hand, the local government argued that this adjustment was needed to increase local revenue (PAD). But on the other hand, the public considers this policy burdensome and not transparent.

In the Semarang suburbs, to be precise, residents of Ambarawa named Siti (54) showed her SPPT sheet. Last year she only paid Rp. 450 thousand, but this year the bill jumped to Rp1.8 million, even though the previous year she only paid around 161,000 rupiah.

"Even though my house is the same, there is no renovation, there is no widening of the land. But suddenly the tax has quadrupled. I really object," he complained. Similar cases were also found in other big cities such as Surabaya, Bandung, and Medan. Some residents even held protests in front of the mayor's office. in place. They argued that the kindness was due to its strategic location

The Reason For The Increase In Changes, The Value Of Selling Tax Objects

Responding to the polemic about the increase in the UN, Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian, admitted that he was checking what the basis for the policy was. Meanwhile, Prorf. Djohermansyah Djohan admitted that he felt odd that several regional heads had just been inaugurated in February. In fact, until now there are still many local governments that still rely on transfers to the regions, namely the P2 tax. After seeing the condition of their DAU/DAU after seeing the budget posture because they see that the budget posture has been cut, for up to 50 percent of the national efficiency.

According to the Head of Communications at the Presidential Office, Hasan Hasbi. the budget efficiency implemented since early 2025 applies to all 500 districts/cities and all ministries/agencies at the central level so that it cannot be linked to one specific case in the regions.

"If there is a specific incident, such as in Pati Regency, this is purely local dynamics," he said.

That's why the excited regional heads want to show performance, want to build roads, it's best to realize their campaign promises, while they don't exist. Eat what is targeted, by raising taxes. The choice is that by 2025 they want to raise the UN or operate to build hospitals and fulfill their campaign promises. This is a policy that does not take into account regional finances that are physically weak, and regions that rely on transfer funds from the center.

Meanwhile, economic observer from UPN Jakarta, Ahmad Nur Hidayat, the key is that many regions do not have the creativeness to find ways to cover the gap in the budget, this is an instant way to increase the PBB, increase its height and we get a lot of input. This is the impact of the election, which is by direct elections. It rose as high as without seeing the impact on society.

"So the question is what the results of the coaching /retret of the Minister of Home Affairs yesterday", he said.

Based on the search, the increase in the UN was caused by an adjustment to the Tax Object Selling Value (NJOP). The local government argued that the NJOP in a number of areas had not been updated for a long time, so it was no longer in accordance with market prices. "This is part of local tax reform to be fairer and in accordance with the actual value," said an official from the Regional Revenue Agency.

Illustration of land and building taxes (Doc. Gunungkidul Regency Government)

"It's okay"

However, fiscal observers assess that the drastic increase is actually counter-productive. "If the increase is made suddenly without adequate socialization, this will cause social shocks. There should be a gradual scheme," explained Dr. Anwar Hidayat, a public policy expert from a state university.

The surge in the UN has not only suppressed middle-class household income, but also retirees and small communities. Many are worried that they will not be able to pay, and eventually face a fine or confiscation of assets.

In some areas, residents began to organize resistance by cooperating with legal aid institutions. We will take legal action if the government does not lower the tariff or provide relief," said a coordinator of the citizen's actions, that.

It is known the lack of transparency in determining NJOP. In some areas, the difference in the value of inter-kelurahan taxes is very striking without a clear explanation. There are even indications that the increase was decided more because of regional cash needs rather than objective calculations.

This is what makes the public angry. Taxes are rising drastically, but public services are still bad. Roads are damaged, floods are still frequent, garbage is not being taken care of," said an activist from a local NGO.

Experts emphasize the need for serious evaluation of this policy. Local governments are advised to transparently disclose NJOP calculation data, provide relief to vulnerable communities, and implement gradual increases.

"Taxes are mandatory, but the government should not pick them up haphazardly. If there is no correction, the crisis of trust will deepen," he said.

The sharp increase in the UN has become a national issue. The wave of public protests shows a gap between fiscal policy and social reality. If the government does not immediately evaluate, it is feared that this policy will further widen public dissatisfaction with tax authorities and local governments.

The significant increase in Land and Building Taxes (PBB) in various parts of Indonesia has triggered unrest among the community. Residents, especially from the lower middle class, admitted that they were burdened by a surge in tax value which was considered unreasonable and was not comparable to the current economic conditions. A wave of rejections began to emerge in several regions, with protests to the collection of petition signatures.

Luckily, the cases in the Pati area can be resolved immediately, especially with the follow-up of the right to inquiry for the Regent, Before spreading to several regions. Like in the Cirebon area and the Bone area, South Sulawesi. There will be demonstrations and time protections in Bone, the community complained about the severity of the increase.

In various cities, people have complained about the sharp increase in UN value without adequate socialization. One of the residents, Pak Sardi (52), a retiree in Bekasi City, said that the UN value of his house had almost tripled compared to last year.

"We are not rich people. This house was built decades ago. Suddenly the tax rose drastically without explanation. This is burdensome for us," he said.

Not only Pak Sardi, similar complaints also came from villagers who previously received lower relief or rates. Many of them feel this policy is unfair and seem not to pay attention to real conditions in the field.

Rejection And Impact

This increase prompted community resistance actions. In some areas, residents carried out peaceful demonstrations in sub-district offices and local governments, carrying banners of rejection and demanding transparency and a review of UN rates. Several community groups even plan to file lawsuits against local governments because they feel aggrieved.

Responding to public complaints, a number of regional officials argued that the increase in the UN was the impact of the policies set by the central government, especially regarding the adjustment of the Tax Object Selling Value (NJOP). They stated that the regions only carry out the rules that have been set.

However, this actually made the situation worse. Residents think that the local government has let go and does not side with the small people. "If the region has no power, then who should we ask for justice?" said Mrs. Rina, a housewife in Yogyakarta.

Another problem that worsens the situation is the lack of socialization from the government before the increase is implemented. Many residents only found out the amount of the increase when receiving the bill, which immediately mentioned the figure well above previous years.

Illustration of the social revolution. (Wikipedia)

"It's okay"

In fact, according to public policy observers, ideally the government will communicate well with the community, provide transition time, and open up space for dialogue before establishing a fiscal policy that has a broad impact.

Abdul Kholik, a member of the DPD, said that currently there are quite tough fiscal challenges. According to him, if there are things related to the increase, it is better if socialization to the community is burdensome or not.

The public is now demanding a review of the value of NJOP and UN tariffs which are considered unrealistic. Transparency in the process of assessing and determining taxes.Slowness or suspension for vulnerable groups of people. Public involvement in making regional tax policy decisions.

The sudden increase in the UN and in large numbers is a bad reflection of the tax system that does not side with the people. When people's voices are not heard, and officials throw responsibilities at each other, public trust is getting eroded. The central and regional governments must sit together, evaluate this policy, and ensure that social justice remains a top priority.

As a result of the turmoil in the community that protested the increase, how many places did it end up drying the increase. For example, in Semarang, the Regent of Semarang. Ngesti Nugroho finally canceled the increase. Thus, in other areas of Cirebon, Bone, Jombang canceled the tax increase, several regions also made use of the requirements to pay taxes per tolerance.

The Governor of Central Java, Ahmad Lutfi admitted that he had submitted a plan, after which 3 suggestions were taken by the provincial government to answer the request for Propinsi to be carried out, between incentives to other institutions and asked for consultations were not carried out by the Regent of Pati, until a chaotic rejection arose, threatening his position to be impeached by the DPRD.

It turns out that Sudewo's sins are not just carelessly raising the UN carelessly. He also has a lot of verbal sins which make people easily removed from his position as Regent. Among other corruption cases when he was still the DPR RI regarding DJKA land, as well as cases of 100 health center staff.