`Why the rise in vehicle tax?'

`Why the rise in vehicle tax?'

The rise in vehicle tax from 1 percent to 1.5 percent of the
vehicle market price has drawn public criticism. City residents
feel that the annual tax here has burdened them since they feel
that life in the city is getting harder. Some of them shared
their grievances with The Jakarta Post.

Uli, 32, is a housewife, who lives in Pamulang, Tangerang with
her husband and two children:

The vehicle tax increase is totally unrealistic. Actually the
2002 city budget has an excess of more than Rp 2 trillion which
has not been allocated for the betterment of the city. So, why
should the tax be increased?

It's ridiculous. The city administration is not a profit-
oriented corporation but an instrument of the government that
should serve to promote the well-being of the people.

The government still has a remaining budget reserve, so it is
not necessarily to increase the taxes. I live in Tangerang but I
have to pay tax to the city. That's why I am complaining about
it.

If the taxes are raised, the government should have had a
clear plan in conjunction with the city residents' needs. It
should also help improve public services.

Worse still, I think the public was not properly informed when
the new policy was made earlier this month.

Dirjo, 30, an entrepreneur, lives in Kayu Jati, East Jakarta
with his wife and daughter:

Damn! If the vehicle tax really increases, it will make me
reconsider my plan to buy a new car next year. Of course, it will
be a burden for me.

Well, I have nothing to say about the new policy. Like it or
not, I have to comply with the regulation.

However, the city administration should provide better public
services or improve the welfare of city residents. Most city
residents live in fear due to the rampant street crimes and
security problems. Otherwise, the tax rise remains nothing but a
further contribution to the more irregularities among the corrupt
officials.

I wonder why the vehicle tax is increased amid the increase of
other prices and why the government cannot postpone the tax hike
due to the unfavorable current economic condition.

I believe that most people here want to buy their own vehicles
in an effort to minimize transportation expenses. But, now the
government even burdens them with this tax increase.

I'm sick of conditions in the city and the city administration
policies which never take the side of the low income people.
Perhaps it would be better for me to plan to move out of the city
for good.

Karno, 40, is an ojek (motorcycle taxi) driver who lives in
Palmerah, West Jakarta with his wife and three children:

I feel dejected over the fact that the vehicle tax has been
raised. I'm desperate for money to celebrate Idul Fitri which is
drawing closer. It all makes me depressed.

Telephone, electricity, water, and fuel prices will be
increased in the immediate future. And now the motorcycle tax has
been raised. Worse still, I have to pay my monthly installment
for my motorcycle.

The government is so crazy; it always places the burden on
people of low income. In fact, I have never received something
good in return after paying taxes to the government. I never feel
that the government has served the public well.

I disagree with the vehicle tax hike. Life is so tough now. I
have just been laid off as my company terminated its production
due to worsening economic conditions.

Well, I have no other choice but to comply with the
regulation. But the reality is, the poor people's lives are
getting worse.

Tono, is a police officer who resides in Pancoran, South
Jakarta with his wife and son:

I'm of the opinion that the recent vehicle tax hike is no
problem. The 1.5 percent annual tax will not burden motorists.

They spend millions of rupiah to buy a motorcycle but why
should they complain about the annual tax which is far smaller.
It's strange to me.

In my opinion, the city administration has tried to provide
the public with good infrastructure and public services. This
includes the roads, street lighting, and in addition we have the
right to claim insurance in case of a vehicular accident.

-- Leo Wahyudi S