This incident certainly makes us astonished, how can the economy continue to grow and flow but the tax ratio continues to fall. The low tax ratio means that there is not enough government financing available. In fact, Indonesia needs a lot of development to improve the welfare and economy of its people. Therefore, there are at least two things we need to learn together.
The first part, we need to change the way we look at it and look at taxes from a different angle. We must realize that taxes are no longer mandatory contributions to the rulers. Also, we must understand that taxes are coercive contributions in order to improve people’s prosperity which has been mandated by law to all of us.
Taxes also have a very important role and function as a means of financing, regulation, stability, and redistribution of a country’s income. Taxes also have many benefits, including to finance education, health, defense, security, and so on, regulate economic growth through reliable and trustworthy policies, implement policies related to price stability, finance all public interests and create jobs. Therefore, taxes have a very important role in the life of citizens.
Next, we need to build awareness to obey taxes. Build that awareness
very important to build from childhood. We must realize that obeying taxes is a wise action as citizens and taxpayers.
We must be more sensitive that tax compliance is not just a role of obligation versus rights but this is all for the benefit of the people. No need to scream with explosive emotions if you are still confused about taxes. Of course, the DGT will be happy to accompany and accompany taxpayers. Believe me, a great and advanced nation is successful if its citizens obey taxes.
The Resurrection of Taxation Without Stop
The progress of the times demands innovation and reform so that the organization continues to run in the right direction and continues to provide benefits to the community. Likewise, DGT is unrelentingly determined to carry out a revival starting from updating the core system, strengthening administration and reorganizing the organization with enthusiasm.
Of course, we all hope very much to build DGT as a great organization and make it the pride of the entire community. The Minister of Finance, Sri Mulyani Indrawati, once gave advice. There are five pillars of the Awakening of taxation that we must keep in mind.
The first pillar, revival requires quality human resources. Because, it contains competence, motivation, professionalism, and integrity. Therefore, various ways are taken to improve the quality of human resources, starting from improving their remuneration, participating in training in various countries and continuing their master’s to doctoral studies. All ways have been and will be done because we believe that quality human resources are a valuable asset.
The second pillar, revival requires an organizational structure that is interconnected as a unit. Unity is very necessary so that DGT can achieve the goals that have been set. Moreover, considering the self-assessment that we have understood as a tax system, of course unity becomes a necessity. Strategy, coordination, and synergy carried out by all levels are very much needed so that each DGT unit is able to provide services and secure revenue.
The third and fourth pillars. revival in business processes and information technology and databases. Currently, DGT is building a more advanced Tax Administration Core System (SIAP). These changes to business processes and the building of core systems are part of Awakening administration. With this development, services to taxpayers will shift from manual to technology-based automation. The tax database is also expected to be neater, sure, and integrated. It is planned that this core system will be used in 2024.
The fifth pillar, Awakening, must continue to update laws and regulations. This is in line with a quote which suggests that different times, different rules. This reform of laws and regulations is expected to be able to secure revenue while ensuring that the economy continues to grow sustainably and of course to realize a just Indonesia. Tax incentives and the Law on the Harmonization of Tax Regulations are evidence of DGT’s commitment to continue to revitalize the laws and regulations.
Doing with sincerity
After we are able to grow self-awareness from an early age and the DGT is able to carry out the Tax Awakening without stopping, we come to the end of the story. An ending when we all have a sense of belonging with all our hearts because we understand that taxes are our money, from us, by us, and for us. Of course we want our taxes to be used for the greatest prosperity of the Indonesian people.
Let’s see, the government always echoes the words of Our Taxes for Us and Our State Budget. The slogan is simple but full of meaning. words that will continue to echo to remind us to obey taxes in order to build Indonesia. To remind us to be involved in maintaining and caring for the country’s wealth. To remind us to be firm with those who have harmed or used state money for personal gain. this is our tax not personal tax
Let’s get started, try to open our minds and see taxes from all angles. Let’s realize that taxes have so many roles, benefits and potential functions for the development and sustainability of the motherland. The author hopes that this paper can change the perception and meaning of taxes for the better.
Maybe DGT still has many shortcomings here and there. If something is not pleasing to the heart, the community can provide input, suggestions, or recommendations. Of course, DGT will strive to improve itself in order to provide the best for the entire community.