Purbaya: Tax Crimes in Asset Forfeiture Bill Must Be Based on Justice
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa stated that the seizure of assets related to criminal activities in the taxation sector, as regulated in the Draft Law (RUU) on Asset Forfeiture, must be based on the principle of justice.
During a media briefing in Jakarta on Tuesday, Purbaya noted that the seizure of assets from taxpayers needs to be implemented carefully, suggesting that sanctions should only be imposed if intentional wrongdoing is proven. According to him, some cases of tax non-compliance occur due to taxpayer negligence.
“It is possible, but we should not seize everything immediately upon a single violation. There must be a principle of justice. If it is repeated or involves intentional tax evasion, then it can be done. But if not, it will cause complications,” Purbaya explained.
The state treasurer emphasised that the implementation of the Asset Forfeiture Bill regarding taxpayers must establish clear boundaries. This aims to ensure that the general taxpayer population does not become vulnerable due to the policies within the Bill.
“If it is implemented, there must be clear regulations. We must not make things difficult for ordinary people who might occasionally forget or be negligent,” he added.
Previously, the Chairman of Commission III of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Habiburokhman, revealed that 13 types of criminal offences have been proposed for inclusion in the Draft Law on Asset Forfeiture, including crimes in the taxation sector.
The 13 types of criminal offences proposed for asset forfeiture include:
Corruption,
Narcotics and psychotropic crimes,
Terrorism,
Human trafficking,
Smuggling of weapons, ammunition, and dangerous materials,
Forestry crimes,
Environmental crimes,
Taxation crimes,
Banking crimes,
Insurance crimes,
Mining crimes,
Marine and fisheries crimes,
Human trafficking.