Hunting crooks through taxation

Based upon investigations conducted by the Directorate General of Taxation, there are believed to be at least 100 cases of tax crimes committed by various corporations and institutions as well as some 50 individual cases. Over the last 10 years, some Rp 130 trillion could have been lost through tax evasion.

This fact is now being used as the starting point for opening up a new chapter in the history of this country's taxation system and also to give new momentum to efforts designed to ensure proper law enforcement. It seems that tax evasion is easier to prove than other crimes. The necessary data can also be easily obtained from public accountants and tax consultants.

Naturally, success in this matter will be very much contingent on the manpower that is made available for the implementation of the program. Unless there is an improvement in overall conduct, failure is certain. Given the fact that even Al Capone was convicted on charges of tax evasion, why should Indonesia not be able to catch its tax dodgers, too. Or could it be that Indonesian criminals are smarter than even the legendary Al Capone?

-- Bisnis Indonesia, Jakarta