'Bang' Ali needs not to pay tax: Sutiyoso

'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)