Joining Tax Amnesty Program is a Right, not an Obligation, President Jokowi Says

Photo caption: President Jokowi answers reporters’ questions after the opening of the IFFC at ICE, BSD, Tangerang, Banten, Tuesday (30/8) (Photo by: Public Relations Division/Jay)

President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo said that taking part in the Tax Amnesty program is a right, not an obligation.

According to the President, if it is obligatory, all the citizens are obliged to take part in it.

“Taking part in the Tax Amnesty program is a right,” President Jokowi told reporters at the opening of the Indonesia Fintech Festival and Conference (IFFC) at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE), BumiSerpongDamai (BSD), Tangerang, Banten, Tuesday (30/8).

President Jokowi also said that the program is indeed intended for big-scale tax payers, especially those who keep their money abroad. Middle and small income businessmen, nevertheless, can also participate in the program, President Jokowi said.

“This is a right that people can exercise, both for big-scale tax payers and small-scale tax payers,” the President said.

However, to dismiss gossips, rumors, and anxiety among the people, President Jokowi said that the Government has issued a Regulation of the Directorate General of Taxes, which contains provisions including the exemption of farmers, fishermen, retirees, and others from taking part in the program.

President Jokowi further said that Indonesia should focus more on ‘big’ things.

“We must not exaggerate the issue because once again taking part in the Tax Amnesty program is indeed a right,” the President concluded. (JAY/FID/ES) (EP/YM/Naster)