Economist Bemoans Tax Officials' Lavishness; Fears Civil Disobedience

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Institute for Development of Economics and Finance (INDEF) senior economist Faisal Basri said that officials at the directorate general of taxation who are openly known to live a lavish lifestyle can spark civil disobedience in payment of taxes. 

However, he said that it is a small possibility to happen any time soon as he believes Indonesians are overly forgiving in nature.

“We are far from that (civil disobedience). The people of Indonesia are very forgiving and the data shown previously showed that only 2 percent of people expressed the idea to stop paying taxes,” said the economist in a virtual discussion on March 28. 

Citing INDEF’s big data analysis, there are 680,000 discussions on Twitter from people complaining about tax officials’ lavish lifestyle, however, he suspects that it would not translate to mass tax disobedience.

“The people of Indonesia are incredible. They are critical but are able to continue paying their dues in taxes,” he quipped. 

He then argues that it would be difficult to veer away from paying taxes as the country has the ability to force its population to pay taxes through its plethora of systems.

"People cannot avoid not paying taxes," said Faisal Basri. “State power is extraordinary. The government knows how to make people want to do things they really don't want to do (pay taxes), that's politics."

Faisal then urged people to fight for their democratic rights as they have carried out their obligations by paying taxes, so they may claim their rights. Including the right to remind and protest the behavior of state officials and their families who show off their wealth. "These officials are paid from the blood and sweat of the people," said Faisal Basri.

MOH KHORY ALFARIZI

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