TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - House of Representatives (DPR) Commission I Speaker Meutya Hafid on Friday said the government had agreed to grant tax incentives to the media industry after the press community went to the DPR to express the situation they face amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to her, the decision was made after a meeting was held between herself, Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, and the Press Council. However, she said she did not know the details of the tax relief yet as the press community must first meet the technical requirements set by the Finance Ministry’s director-general of taxation.

“The coordinating minister of economics has recommended it to the Finance Ministry and had reached a collective agreement to facilitate [the press industry],” said Meutya to Tempo on Friday, May 15.

She explained the Press Council and mass media agencies were encouraged to communicate directly with the director-general of taxation regarding the details of the incentives.

“The facility tax relief is already here, it now depends on each mass media company to communicate with the directorate-general of taxation regarding its implementation. Or the Press Council consults with the directorate-general,” she said.

Previously, the Press Council, along with several representatives of news agencies, called on the government to help the press industry amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The tax relief is one of the seven suggestions submitted to the House.

BUDIARTI UTAMI PUTRI | FRISKI RIANA