More Than 100 Lawmakers Have Not Registered to Pay Taxes: Ministry

Jakarta Globe, January 29, 2010

The tax directorate threatened last year to expose candidates who did not have taxpayer numbers. (JG Photo/Safir Makki)

The Finance Ministry says 113 members of the House of Representatives (DPR) and 23 members of Regional Representative Council (DPD) are not registered for tax IDs.

The ministry's tax chief, Tjiptarjo, told Metro TV he would cooperate with both bodies to ensure the lawmakers get registered for the tax numbers, known as NPWPs.

While tax enforcement has been lax in the past, the Finance Ministry launched a major campaign in 2008 to sign citizens up for NPWPs. Last year, then-tax chief Darmin Nasution vowed to expose people running for office who did not possess them.

“We will investigate candidates running for the nation’s legislatures and for executive office to determine whether they are paying their taxes. Don’t blame us if we identify you or damage your reputation,” he said at the time.

By law, individuals who earn more than Rp 15.8 million per year are required to submit tax returns and pay income tax.

JG

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