Headline:
PDP‘s Rieke Diah Pitaloka’s Intervention on PPN Hike Sparks Controversy,andet DPR’s MKD
Article:
Rieke Diah Pitaloka, an Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) lawmaker, recently sparked a controversy after her intervention on the proposed 12% Value Added Tax (PPN) hike was viewed as a provocation. Her remarks were subsequently reported to the House of Representatives’ (DPR) Ethics Council (MKD).
Rieke, who is a member of the DPR’s Commission VI representing the PDI-P faction, recently spoke about the contentious PPN increase issue during a plenary session of the DPR. She urged the President-elect, Prabowo Subianto, to reconsider the government’s plan to raise the PPN rate to 12% at the beginning of his tenure.
Rieke’s appeal, made within a packed DPR building at Senayan, Jakarta, was met with mixed reactions. Political figures from Gerindra Party, in particular, have been vocal about opposing the PPN hike. They have been quick to point out that Dolfie Othniel Frederic Palit, the chairman of the taxation task force, is affiliated with the PDI-P.
Rieke’s Intervention and MKD’s Response
In her intervention, Rieke asked President Prabowo to postpone or even scrap the planned PPN hike, aligning with the provisions in the undated Law Number 7 of 2021. She also recommended implementing a self-assessment monitoring system in the tax administration and turning taxes into an anti-corruption tool.
Interestingly, Puan Maharani, the DPR Speaker, shared similar sentiments, stating her confidence in the new government’s dedication to enhancing the public’s well-being. Meanwhile, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, a DPR Deputy Speaker, suggested an alternative: increasing luxury goods tax by 12% while decreasing tax on essential goods for the populace.
MKD’s Investigation
As a result of these developments, Rieke received a report to the DPR’s MKD. Alfadjri Aditia Prayoga lodged a complaint, alleging that Rieke’s statement contained provocative content pertaining to the 12% PPN hike. Upon receiving the report, MKD Chairman Nazaruddin Dek Gam confirmed the receipt of the complaint and the subsequent summoning of Rieke.
MKD’s initial plans to summon Rieke were delayed due to the ongoing DPR recess. Commission members are currently away from the capital, attending to their constituencies. The matter will be addressed after the recess, with MKD investigation and further actions to follow.
