14 bars to be sealed for tax evasion

JAKARTA (JP): At least 14 entertainment spots in West Jakarta will be closed next Wednesday because the owners have not paid taxes totaling Rp 1 billion (US$111,111), an official said on Monday.

Tongam Tambunan of the city public order office said that the unpaid taxes consisted of development taxes and income taxes.

"The income taxes actually should be paid as soon as the owners are paid by their customers," Tongam said without revealing the names of the entertainment spots.

"Public order officers have frequently sent notification letters to the owners of these businesses but the owners never responded," he said.

Tongam said six other entertainment spots were closed on Feb. 25 for similar offenses.

According to data from the city public order office, the six spots operated as massage parlors and bars. Five of the businesses have been identified as Mutiara-CH and Paramount on Jl. Jayakarta; Tin-Tin, Sari Ayu and Laras Ayu on Jl. Hayam Wuruk.

"The six spots owe about Rp 400 million to the city. The revenue office will let us know when these businesses are ready to begin making payments in installments," he said. (ylt)