Billboard Tax Embezzlement in Kupang Reaches IDR 3 Billion, 9 Contract Government Employees Under Investigation

State losses resulting from the embezzlement of billboard advertising tax at the Regional Revenue Agency (Bapenda) of Kupang City, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), have increased. According to calculations by the Kupang City Inspectorate and an integrated team, the loss value, which previously reached IDR 500 million, has now risen to IDR 3 billion.

“Based on the Inspectorate’s audit results, it has already surpassed IDR 3 billion,” said Kupang City Regional Secretary Jeffry Pelt when met at his office on Thursday evening (11/6/2026).

In addition to the nominal amount, the number of suspected perpetrators has also grown. Initial suspicions involved four Government Employees with Work Agreements (PPPK). However, nine PPPK from the Kupang City Bapenda are now under investigation.

Jeffry revealed that the tax embezzlement case is now being handled by the Kupang District Prosecutor’s Office (Kejari). Nine PPPK from the Kupang City Bapenda have been examined in connection with the case.

“Of the nine individuals, we have released about five from their duties at Bapenda and have also confiscated their attributes for collecting billboard tax levies,” Jeffry explained.

Jeffry stressed that the Kupang City Government is committed to resolving the case. According to him, Kupang Mayor Christian Widodo fully supports law enforcement officials in uncovering the case.

“In principle, we support the steps taken by law enforcement, and we are even ready if they require additional data to clearly and transparently reveal who is involved and responsible in this matter,” Jeffry asserted.

Jeffry disclosed that the Kupang City Government has provided the documents needed to uncover the case. He has summoned the Head of the Kupang City Bapenda regarding this issue.

“So that this case is quickly uncovered and the intellectual actors are clearly identified. This is also under the Mayor’s instruction, for me and the ranks at the Revenue Agency to back up law enforcement in terms of data or information needs so that this process can proceed quickly and accurately,” Jeffry emphasised.