As many as 22 provinces have applied for Special Economic Zone (SEZ) status, a program which may be implemented starting next year, an official said on Tuesday, The Jakarta Post reported. Bambang Susantono, an official at the Coordinating Ministry for the Economy in charge of infrastructure and regional development, said the government would scrutinize the capability of provinces before granting SEZ status. "No provinces are being prioritized.

Indonesia plans to install tax officials in countries considered tax havens for recalcitrant local companies, which regularly evade taxes and cause the country significant losses in potential revenue. Director general of taxation Darmin Nasution said Friday the placement of tax officials was part of a breakthrough effort to help stem state losses in potential tax revenue paid by big corporations.