Chasing PAD Targets, Bengkulu Launches Vehicle Tax Amnesty Programme

The Bengkulu provincial government officially launched a motor vehicle tax amnesty programme on Friday, 1 May 2026. This programme is described as the final edition and a massive effort by the local government to boost regional own-source revenue (PAD) in order to accelerate road infrastructure development. Bengkulu Governor Helmi Hasan stressed that compliance in paying taxes is the main key to realising smooth roads throughout the province. He likened what society pays through vehicle taxes to directly benefiting from public facility improvements. “To realise good roads, we are very dependent on public participation and awareness. One of them is compliance in paying taxes. This is the final amnesty edition; after this, we start from zero to build a tax-compliant culture,” said Helmi Hasan during the programme launch. Data from the Bengkulu Provincial Revenue Agency (Bapenda) shows a quite fantastic arrears figure, reaching Rp 770 billion. Bapenda Head Hadianto revealed that of the total 1,334,879 two-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles registered in Bengkulu, 67.91 percent or 906,580 units are in arrears status. Helmi stated that this condition poses a major challenge for the government in funding infrastructure projects. As an illustration, the Governor explained that the vehicle tax sector is projected to contribute around Rp 300 billion, while the budget needs for road development reach Rp 600 billion. To attract taxpayers’ interest, the Bengkulu Provincial Government is providing appreciation in the form of gold metal prizes. A total of 12 grams of gold prizes—in denominations of 2.5 grams and 1 gram—have been prepared for compliant taxpaying citizens. “So far, perhaps those who are not diligent in paying (taxes) have been given more attention through amnesty dispensations; now we are also giving attention to those who are diligent and compliant in paying taxes with these gold prizes,” added Helmi. In addition to gold prizes for compliant citizens, during the launch event, citizens who pay taxes today also have the opportunity to receive prizes such as helmets, food, and others. This amnesty programme runs until August 2026. Meanwhile, the Bengkulu Police Traffic Directorate Head, Senior Commissioner Pol Sudarno, reminded of the importance of vehicle ownership transfer in accordance with legislation. In this programme: Ownership Transfer Costs (BBN) are fully waived for vehicles within the region. Meanwhile, vehicles from outside Bengkulu are given a 50 percent discount on ownership transfer fees. “This programme is to provide ease and relief for the public, because vehicle ownership transfer is mandatory as mandated by law,” said Sudarno.