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

House Deputy Speaker Saan Mustopa has reminded the government not to create an impression of intimidation through the involvement of village supervisory non-commissioned officers (Babinsa) and community security and order officers (Bhabinkamtibmas) in assisting tax officials. Saan stated that if such an impression exists, taxpayers will feel terrorised. He asked the Directorate General of Taxes (DJP) to seriously consider the involvement of security forces and other government apparatus in tax matters. “Do not let there be an impression of intimidation. So, intimidating whom, the officers or the taxpayers, as if the taxpayers are being intimidated,” Saan said at the parliament complex in Jakarta on Tuesday. According to him, the government needs to consider the impact of involving or adopting policies that engage institutions unrelated to tax affairs. He assessed that tax matters are not the duty of security forces. “It is very important for the tax office to consider the impact of partnering with institutions that are not, indeed not their duty, not their domain. So once again, this is very important,” he said. The issue of involving Babinsa and Bhabinkamtibmas emerged after the DJP issued Circular Letter Number SE-8/PJ/2026 concerning Guidelines for Taxpayer Compliance Supervision. Through its official Instagram account, the DJP also emphasised that Babinsa, Bhabinkamtibmas, and village officials are not executors of audits or tax collectors. The presence of territorial elements is solely aimed at supporting coordination when necessary, as has long been practised in various government activities. In many situations, local officials only serve as companions or witnesses that tax officers have conducted visits according to procedure.