Coretax Issues Prompt DPR Concerns Over Declining Taxpayer Compliance

JAKARTA — Member of DPR RI Commission XI, Said Abdullah, has spotlighted the obstacles resurfacing in the implementation of the Directorate General of Taxes’ Coretax system. He reminded that technical disruptions in the system could potentially decrease taxpayer compliance and impact state revenues. According to Said, updating the tax technology system is indeed an important step to strengthen administration and data integration. “We support the development of Coretax because its objectives are clear, namely to enhance the quality of tax administration and boost state revenues,” he stated in his comments in Jakarta on Saturday (1/5/2026). However, he regrets the repeated obstacles since the system’s initial launch. “The system should have undergone security testing, traffic testing, and various other technical tests before being enforced. That is crucial to ensure the system is truly ready for public use,” he emphasised. He assessed that the ongoing disruptions could directly affect taxpayer behaviour. “If the system frequently malfunctions, I fear that taxpayer compliance in reporting will decline,” said Said. In fact, he continued, tax revenues form the backbone of state financing. “Taxes are the main pillar for government programmes and development. If compliance decreases, revenues will naturally be pressured, especially as we face economic challenges due to geopolitical factors,” he explained. Said also questioned the maintenance pattern of the system, which he deems inappropriate. “Why isn’t maintenance conducted at night? The banking world routinely performs maintenance during those hours. This is a common protocol,” he remarked. He even opened the possibility of fundamental weaknesses in the Coretax system. “This might not just be about maintenance, but rather inherent system flaws or inadequate contingency plans,” he said. To that end, Said urged a thorough audit of the system. “I hope the Minister of Finance can involve relevant agencies and professionals to conduct a system audit, identify weaknesses, and promptly fix them so that similar incidents do not recur,” he stated.