'Bang' Ali needs not to pay tax: Sutiyoso

JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso clarified on Tuesday that former governor Ali Sadikin, as the city's honorary resident, was exempt from paying property tax, vehicle tax and water fees.

Angered by reports over his tax arrears, the former governor, popularly known as Bang (brother) Ali, visited City Hall on Tuesday to show documents which stated his special status.

After meeting with Ali, Sutiyoso told reporters, "Bang Ali is the city's honorary resident. He is exempt from paying property tax and water fees. His tax is paid by the city."

The governor said the honorary status awarded to Bang Ali was decided by the city council in 1971.

Similar status was also presented to four other noted figures, including former minister of home affairs Amir Machmud, veteran film director Usmar Ismail and former vice president Mohammad Hatta. All three are deceased.

Ali, who was dubbed a controversial governor during his tenure from 1966 to 1977, particularly for his toleration toward prostitution and gambling, refused to disclose details of his privileges to reporters.

He instead asked Governor Sutiyoso to explain them.

The Central Jakarta Tax Office announced last week that Ali never paid property tax, which totaled millions of rupiah, for his house located on Jl. Borobudur.

"It's all clear now. Bang Ali's tax is paid by the city," Sutiyoso said. (jun)