TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Jakarta Tax and Retribution Agency was optimistic it could reach the target of collecting unpaid land and building taxes (PBB) at Rp10 trillion until the year’s end. The agency's spokesman, Mulyo Sasungko, said his side was still pursuing the tax arrears, which amounted to Rp900 billion.

Up to Thursday, December 5, the realization of tax payment in the capital reached 91 percent or Rp9.1 trillion. “It’s still three weeks to go, we will intensify our effort by visiting taxpayers,” said Mulyo at the regional legislative council (DPRD) building, Friday, December 6.

Mulyo explained the majority of lands and buildings in tax arrears were located in the city suburbs, while the highest amount of arrears was in the Central Jakarta area.

“There is a plot of land with tax arrears reaching billions rupiah in Central Jakarta,” he added.

According to him, the city administration targeted to chase taxpayers with high arrears, including Bay Walk shopping center and the apartment inside of the complex. Its tax debts amounted to Rp5.4 billion, which were due last September 16.

The BPRD instructed its staffers in every region to list shopping centers and residences that were still in tax arrears. Mulyo said his side would seal the places by placing seal stickers.

IMAM HAMDI