Bengkulu explores new tax resources

BENGKULU, Bengkulu: The provincial administration is drafting six new bylaws on taxes in an effort to bolster its revenue now that the central government is cutting back on regional subsidies, Antara reported on Wednesday.

Dharmono Arien, deputy speaker of the provincial legislative council, said the six laws would be endorsed soon.

These include taxes on motor vehicles, ownership transfer of motor vehicles, fuel, boats and ships, ownership transfer of boats and ships, and usage of ground and surface water, he said.

Under the new regional autonomy, which came into force at the start of the year, each province has greater liberty in imposing taxes to plug their budget deficit.

In 2001, the Bengkulu provincial administration raised Rp 19 billion (US$1.7 million) through local taxes, Rp 2 billion short of its target. (04)