Aptrindo Tanjung Emas Semarang opposes motor vehicle tax increase in Central Java

Semarang (ANTARA) — The Indonesian Trucking Entrepreneurs Association (Aptrindo) Semarang Tanjung Emas Branch, Central Java, has voiced its objection to the increase in motor vehicle tax (PKB) in Central Java triggered by the imposition of a tax surcharge. ‘We do not want taxes to rise, whatever it takes,’ said Supriyono, Head of DPC Aptrindo Pelabuhan Tanjung Emas Semarang, in Semarang, Central Java, on Thursday. The amount of the tax surcharge imposed is 66 percent of the rate payable. Truck operators, he added, are asking for this year’s tax to be at least the same as in previous years. According to him, the average PKB increase payable by truck operators reaches Rp1 million per unit. Furthermore, he noted, in 2026 we have just entered the second month, but the impact is already being felt. Another hurdle faced by the operators, he said, is the payment mechanism for taxes specifically for container-hauling semi-trailers, which has been deemed to be made more difficult since the introduction of the special Indonesian Standard Classification of Business Fields (KBLI). Secretary of DPC Aptrindo Tanjung Emas Semarang, Tanuel Agustia, said Central Java is the only province that has implemented this special KBLI. ‘Truck operators are not unwilling to pay taxes, but because the KBLI special implementation was introduced without socialisation, we cannot pay the tax,’ he said. As a result, he noted, it is not impossible that truck operators will migrate outside Central Java to regions with friendlier rules. He considers Yogyakarta Province as one of the migration alternatives due to relatively easier and cheaper tax rules. ‘We have voiced our concerns, but they have not been heard. Currently, this is already beginning to take effect; at the Tanjung Emas Semarang port, H-numbered trucks have already declined,’ he said. Meanwhile, Acting Head of Central Java’s Regional Revenue Agency (Bapenda), Muhammad Masrofi, previously said the provincial government is providing a 5 percent discount on PKB payments. He explained that the policy has been in effect from 20 February until 31 December 2026. He added that the Central Java government is providing this relaxation based on the dynamics developing in the community regarding motor vehicle tax payments.