Editor’s Note
- Discussion of Amendments to the Regional Tax and Levy Regulation of North Sumatra
- Vice Governor Ensures Good Public Services for the Development of North Sumatra
- Local Government Obliged to Facilitate Taxpayers
Discussion of Amendments to the Regional Tax and Levy Regulation of North Sumatra
Vice Governor Surya of North Sumatra (Sumut) hopes that the amendments to the Regional Regulation (Perda) regarding regional taxes and levies, which have been discussed with regional government organizations (OPDs), will lead to higher regional revenues (PAD) and improved public services.
Vice Governor Surya stated this during a meeting on the draft amendment to Regional Regulation (Perda) No. 1 of 2024 regarding regional taxes and levies. The meeting took place on Monday, January 26, 2026, at the Regional Liaison Office on Jalan Jambu in Jakarta.
All OPDs participated in the meeting via teleconference. Teguh Narutomo, Director of Regional Revenue, Directorate-General for Regional Financial Development (Keuda), Ministry of the Interior, served as an expert.
Deputy Governor Ensures Good Public Services for the Development of North Sumatra
In his speech, the Deputy Governor stated that the meeting would determine the direction of regional policy and the quality of regional regulations, as well as the regional government’s ability to guarantee good public services for the sustainable development of North Sumatra.
This was done in light of the ever-increasing and demanding challenges of regional financial management.
“The needs and demands of the population regarding public services are increasing, and the government’s financial resources must be managed carefully, fairly, and transparently. In this context, taxes and levies are crucial instruments because they not only provide revenue but also empower us (the region) to stand on our own two feet,” explained the Deputy Governor, accompanied by Ardan Noor, Head of the North Sumatra Regional Tax Administration (Bapenda).
However, the Deputy Governor explained that improvements are still needed in the areas of regulation, governance, compliance, and validation of tax data, including consistent enforcement of regulations that prevent multiple interpretations.
Therefore, he emphasized that the meeting must be a meaningful step towards system improvement, not just a change in wording.
“I emphasize that our discussions must lead to regulations that provide legal certainty, apply strong standards, and address multiple interpretations in practice. Implementation should not be complicated. Furthermore, public service and fairness must be paramount,” Surya said.
Regional governments obligated to facilitate taxpayer compliance
Therefore, Surya emphasized that regional governments are obligated to facilitate taxpayer compliance, while simultaneously taking a firm stand against those who neglect their obligations. These steps must be taken fairly and proportionately, promoting firmness and discipline without instilling fear in the community.
“It is crucial to formulate precise, clear, and fair regulations. We want to provide regulations that everyone must adhere to. Therefore, the discussions must be objective, open, and substantive, with the aim of achieving a modern and transparent regional tax and levy policy that supports the progress of North Sumatra,” he concluded.
Ardan Noor, head of the North Sumatra Regional Tax Administration (Bapenda), also hopes that the revised draft Regional Tax and Levy Regulation will increase future local revenues (PAD), particularly through greater compliance and public awareness regarding compliance. ***rel
