Bulungan Regent Ensures No Levies for MSMEs at Kayan River Waterfront

The Bulungan Regency Government (Pemkab) will not collect regional levies from hundreds of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) owners along the Kayan River waterfront in Tanjung Selor, Bulungan Regency.

“I can ensure that in the Kayan River waterfront area, all MSMEs operating there from three in the afternoon until midnight are not charged any levies whatsoever by the local government,” stated Regent Syarwani in Tanjung Selor on Sunday.

Syarwani noted that despite the decline in the Bulungan Regency Regional Budget (APBD)—a trend felt by many other regions—the government remains determined to seek sources of Regional Original Income (PAD). He emphasised that while the government is actively seeking revenue opportunities, it remains selective to avoid stifling community businesses, particularly MSMEs.

“Regarding taxes and levies, we are being selective in their implementation. For instance, we do not apply levies to MSMEs in the Kayan River waterfront area,” he said.

Furthermore, the Bulungan Regency Government is currently supporting these businesses by providing 60 units of food carts free of charge, without the need for purchase or rental.

Amidst current global economic uncertainty, Syarwani stated that the local government’s primary goal is to ensure that MSMEs remain viable so that the circulation of money and the economy in Bulungan Regency continues to thrive. “We are grateful that approximately 300 MSMEs at the Kayan River waterfront remain operational, and their businesses serve as a gathering place for the people of Bulungan Regency to strengthen community ties,” he added.

Regent Syarwani revealed that following a personal survey, he discovered that MSMEs operating from 5:00 pm to midnight can generate a turnover of between Rp700,000 and Rp1 million per night.

“That is their gross income for a single night, with a coffee selling price of approximately Rp10,000 per glass. If we calculate that, assuming a 50 percent profit margin, it could result in a monthly income of approximately Rp15 million for our MSMEs,” he explained.

Consequently, the Bulungan Regency Government remains committed and consistent in managing the Kayan River waterfront area as a dedicated space for community business, ensuring that the local economic engine continues to run.