[b]Graft and

Graft and tax collection

From Koran Tempo

I agree with Taufiequrachman, chairman of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), who has called on the Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI) to issue a ruling that corruption is forbidden according to Islam.

While it is true that such a ruling by MUI would help efforts to eradicate corruption, it means little in law enforcement. In fact, our legislation needs an overhaul.

Take, for example, the taxation regulations. Corruption in the taxation sector could be reduced if the legal position of taxpayers, now very weak, could be strengthened.

The directorate general of taxation may issue a regulation allowing a taxpayer to bring an unreasonable, underpaid tax notice (SKPKB) to the taxation court without first having to lodge his objection and pay the amount in dispute. The regulation may also stipulate that any objection or appeal will postpone tax collection. If the suit fails, the fine the taxpayer will have to pay will be increased threefold.

It is generally known that some tax officers have made use of the strong position of the directorate general of taxation for "disguised extortion". They can threaten taxpayers or issue a SKPKB stating an unreasonably high amount. That is why many taxpayers opt for a "win-win solution" with tax collectors.

In the case of the issuance of an unreasonable SKPKB, for example, the tax officers concerned could be taken to the taxation court and punished.

Unfortunately, the taxation bill drawn up by a team led by Anggito Abimanyu still clearly takes sides with the directorate general of taxation.

PURWOKO ARY WIBOWO

Jakarta