DPR warns against 'intimidation' impression in involving security forces for tax matters

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) Saan Mustopa has cautioned against any impression of intimidation in the involvement of Babinsa (Village Supervisory Non-Commissioned Officers) and Bhabinkamtibmas (Community Security and Order Supervisory Police) in accompanying tax officials.

Saan said that if such an impression emerged, taxpayers would in fact feel terrorised. He therefore asked the Directorate General of Taxes (DJP) to think carefully about involving security personnel or other government apparatus in tax matters.

“There must not be any impression of intimidation. Intimidating whom, and which officials, so that taxpayers feel as though they are being frightened,” Saan said at the parliamentary complex in Jakarta on Tuesday.

According to him, the government needs to consider the impact of involving or partnering with institutions that have no connection to tax affairs. He also assessed that tax matters are simply not the responsibility of security personnel.

“It is very important for the tax office (DJP) to think about the impact of partnering with institutions for which it is not their duty, not their domain. So once again, this is extremely important,” he said.

As is known, the issue of Babinsa and Bhabinkamtibmas involvement surfaced after the DJP issued Circular Letter Number SE-8/PJ/2026 concerning Guidelines for Monitoring Taxpayer Compliance.

Through its official Instagram account @ditjenpajakri, the DJP also affirmed that Babinsa, Bhabinkamtibmas and village officials are neither examiners nor tax collectors.

The presence of territorial elements is solely intended to support coordination where necessary, in line with long-standing practice in various government activities.

In many situations, regional officials serve only as accompaniments or witnesses confirming that tax officers have carried out visits in accordance with procedures.