`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