PPN 12 Persen Resmi Berlaku Tahun 2025, Apakah Pemerintah Bijak? | SERIAL HARGA NAIK

Summary

The Indonesian government has announced a 1% increase in the Value-Added Tax (PPN), set to rise to 12% starting January 2025. This decision has sparked significant opposition, including protests and petitions, as it is feared to worsen economic conditions for the middle class already struggling with rising costs. The government has introduced incentives like subsidies on essential goods and services, but critics argue that these measures may not be sufficient. Economists warn about potential inflationary impacts, and there are calls for more effective social safety nets to protect vulnerable populations.

Takeaways

• 😀 Yeni Wahid, daughter of former Indonesian president Abdurrahman Wahid, believes that if Gus were alive today, he would stand with the people against the government's plan to raise the VAT to 12%.
• 😀 The Indonesian government has decided to increase the VAT (Value Added Tax) to 12% starting from January 1, 2025, causing widespread protests due to concerns over the impact on people's purchasing power.
• 😀 While basic goods such as rice, eggs, and vegetables will remain exempt from VAT, luxury goods and services like international education and VIP hospital services will face the new 12% tax.
• 😀 Despite the VAT increase, the government will introduce various incentives to protect people's purchasing power, including tax subsidies for items like flour and cooking oil.
• 😀 Protests have erupted against the VAT increase, with petitions circulating online and demonstrations calling for the government to cancel the plan.
• 😀 Economists warn that businesses might use the VAT increase as an excuse to hike prices further, potentially worsening inflation and reducing people's ability to afford goods.
• 😀 The government is offering temporary assistance like discounted electricity rates and subsidies on essential goods for the first two months of 2025, but critics argue these measures are insufficient.
• 😀 Inflation is projected to rise significantly, potentially reaching 4.11%, placing more pressure on households and exacerbating income inequality as wages may not increase accordingly.
• 😀 The VAT increase has led to debates about fairness, with some questioning why the government is covering VAT for luxury items like electric cars while imposing taxes on basic necessities.
• 😀 Experts suggest that the government needs to ensure that its fiscal policies, including the VAT increase, are transparent and include adequate social safety nets to protect vulnerable groups from economic strain.

Q & A

What is the government's decision regarding the Value Added Tax (VAT) in 2025?

The government has decided to raise the Value Added Tax (VAT) to 12% starting on January 1, 2025.

How did Yeni Wahid, the daughter of the fourth President of Indonesia, respond to the VAT increase?

Yeni Wahid expressed that if Gus (her father) were alive, he would stand with the people against the VAT increase, highlighting the current struggles faced by the Indonesian public, such as rising prices and decreasing purchasing power.

What is the general concern regarding the VAT hike among the public?

The primary concern is that the increase in VAT to 12% will further reduce the purchasing power of the people, especially as the cost of basic necessities is already rising, and the middle class is facing financial struggles.

What steps has the government taken to mitigate the impact of the VAT increase?

To ease the impact, the government has introduced various incentives, such as providing subsidies for certain products like flour and cooking oil, while essential items like rice, milk, and certain services like education and healthcare will remain VAT-free.

What is the VAT policy for luxury goods under the new tax plan?

Under the new VAT policy, goods and services categorized as luxury, such as international education services, VIP hospital care, and premium imported foods, will be subject to the increased VAT rate of 12%.

What are the potential risks identified by economists regarding the VAT increase?

Economists have warned that the VAT increase could lead to price hikes beyond the VAT rate itself, as some businesses might exploit the situation to raise prices substantially, exacerbating the burden on consumers.

What are some of the specific incentives the government has planned to support the public?

The government plans to provide incentives such as 50% discounts on electricity rates, subsidies for essential goods like flour and sugar, and a 1% tax reduction for certain industries like oil and gas. However, these incentives will only apply for two months (January and February 2025).

How are the VAT changes expected to affect inflation and the economy?

The VAT increase is expected to drive inflation up significantly, with predictions that inflation could rise from 1.55% in November 2024 to 4.11% in 2025, which could further erode the purchasing power of the public.

Why are the VAT exemptions for basic goods and services important?

The VAT exemptions for basic goods like rice, meat, and vegetables, as well as essential services such as education, healthcare, and public transportation, are meant to protect the most vulnerable segments of society from the financial strain caused by the VAT increase.

What has been the public response to the VAT hike, and what actions have been taken?

The public response has been largely negative, with protests and petitions circulating against the VAT hike. Over 95,000 people signed a petition demanding the government cancel the planned increase, reflecting widespread discontent.