West Java Eliminates Requirement for Original Owner's ID to Prevent Vehicle Tax Extortion

Bandung (ANTARA) - The West Java provincial government has officially ended the era of “borrowing IDs”, which has long been a nightmare for owners of used vehicles when paying vehicle tax. West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi stated in Bandung on Tuesday that starting from 6 April 2026, West Java residents can pay their annual Motor Vehicle Tax (PKB) simply by bringing the STNK and the ID of the person in possession of the vehicle, without needing to attach the original owner’s ID. This bold step was taken by Dedi as a swift response to the viral complaints from residents who were extorted by rogue officials with unofficial additional fees of up to Rp700,000 just for not bringing the original vehicle owner’s identification. “Paying taxes must not be made difficult because the government’s duty is to facilitate people in paying taxes. Hopefully, this ease will smooth out all Samsat services in West Java,” said Dedi. This policy marks a significant difference from conventional bureaucracy. For decades, the requirement for the original owner’s ID has often become a loophole for illegal levies and convoluted bureaucracy for the public who have not yet completed the name transfer process. “This ease is also expected to increase public awareness and compliance in paying Motor Vehicle Tax,” he stated. This step is seen as an effort in digitalisation and simplification of public services that has been most anticipated by residents, considering the many used vehicles that change hands but have not yet undergone the name transfer process. The government also hopes this innovation will become a new milestone in realising clean and transparent public services in West Java.