Title: GNB Urges Government to Reconsider PPN 12% Hike, Citing Marginalized Middle Class
Jakarta, CNN Indonesia — The Gerakan Nurani Bangsa (GNB) has called upon the government not to burden the middle and lower-middle classes with a hike in the Value Added Tax (PPN) to 12% starting in 2025. This appeal was made by GNB’s Lukman Hakim Saifuddin to Minister of Finance Sri Mulyani at a meeting held on Friday evening.
In the meeting, Lukman and the GNB criticized the government’s policy, which they believe further squeezes the purchasing power of the middle class, particularly those vulnerable to post-pandemic economic impacts. "The middle class is already heavily burdened. There are mass layoffs, income cuts, and rising costs of living. A plan to increase PPN to 12% will only worsen their condition," Lukman said in a virtual press conference on Saturday.
He argued that such a policy not only reduces consumer spending but also affects the consumption sector, which is a significant driver of the Indonesian economy. Besides the PPN increase, Lukman also highlighted other planned measures such as the hike in BPJS Kesehatan premiums and the Tapera program, which could potentially increase the burden on the public.
Lukman urged Sri Mulyani to reevaluate the fiscal policies implemented and encouraged the government to be more careful in its decision-making, especially those directly related to the purchasing power of the masses. "The government must formulate policies that are fair to the middle and lower-middle classes. This is not only about being fair but also about maintaining long-term economic stability," Lukman stated.
It isknown that the government under President Prabowo has confirmed plans to increase the PPN rate to 12% starting January 1, 2023. This move is part of the implementation of Law No. 7/2021 on the Harmonization of Income Tax Laws, which was enacted during the Jokowi administration.
Citing Sources: (tst/asa)
[Video]: [Gambar: Video CNN]
[disputesCampaignfixture[disputesCampaignfixture[disputesCampaignfixture[disputesCampaignfixture
