December 17, 2025 | 08:27 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Directorate General of Taxes of the Ministry of Finance spoke up about taxed foreign aid for the victims of Sumatra floods. Director of Outreach, Services, and Public Relations at the Tax DG, Rosmauli, said the foreign aid could be eligible for value-added tax (VAT) exemption, under certain conditions.
The facility is regulated under Government Regulation Number 49 of 2022, but Rosmauli said on Wednesday that the "aid recipients are limited to specific parties."
These include religious, charity, social, or cultural organizations; central or regional governments; and international or non-governmental foreign institutions.
According to Rosmauli, this exemption must be preceded by recommendations from the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), and the governor.
Rosmauli said every item entering Indonesian territory, including humanitarian aid, must go through inspection procedures in accordance with applicable regulations. "Under the authority of the Directorate General of Customs and Excise," said Rosmauli.
According to her, this oversight is not intended to hinder aid, but to ensure the entering goods are safe, appropriate, and do not endanger the health and safety of the public. The measure is also taken to prevent the misuse of aid transfer.
Previously, the Indonesian diaspora residing in Singapore voiced complaints about the aid delivery procedure for flood victims in Sumatra. According to one diaspora member, Fika, the aid would be subject to taxes.
The concern was raised in a post on her Instagram account, @ffawzia07. “If donations from the diaspora are sent while the Sumatra floods have not been declared a national disaster, the aid will be taxed,” she wrote on Thursday, December 11, 2025.
Novali Panji Nugroho contributed to the writing of this article
Read: Aceh Governor Accepts More Foreign Aid Despite Prabowo's Stance
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Today's Top 3 News: Prabowo's Key Statements on the Sumatra Disaster
1 hari lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
Aceh Governor Accepts More Foreign Aid Despite Prabowo's Stance
1 hari lalu
The Aceh Governor's stance on foreign assistance contrasts with that of President Prabowo Subianto.
DPD Chair Backs Prabowo's Foreign Aid Refusal for Sumatra Disaster Relief
6 hari lalu
The Indonesian government has opted not to accept foreign aid to address the recent flooding and landslides in Sumatra.
Aceh Welcomes Foreign Aid for Disaster Relief Efforts
9 hari lalu
Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf denied allegations that the Aceh government was obstructing the process of obtaining permission for international aid.
"We Can Still Manage": Foreign Aid for Sumatra Disaster Relief Efforts and Palace's Dismissal
13 hari lalu
The government has not opened up space for other countries to provide disaster relief funds for Sumatra.
Palace: Indonesia Yet to Need Foreign Aid for Sumatra Disaster Response
13 hari lalu
Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi stated that the government retains the capability to manage the full scope of the disaster in Sumatra.
US Supreme Court Allows Trump's Massive Foreign Aid Freeze
28 September 2025
The US Congress approved the $4 billion aid package. The conservative-majority court said the freeze may continue, with 3 liberal justices in dissent.
U.S. Foreign Aid: Spending Breakdown and Top Global Recipients
2 Juli 2025
Ukraine received approximately US$17.2 billion in U.S. foreign aid in 2023, topping the list of recipient countries, primarily to support its defense.
Lancet Study: USAID Cuts Risk Causing Over 14 Million Deaths by 2030
1 Juli 2025
A recent study published in the medical journal The Lancet has reported the impact of USAID-funded programs on global mortality rates over the past two decades.
Hundreds of U.S. Diplomats Protest Dismantling of USAID in Join Letter to Rubio
6 Maret 2025
Trump tasked billionaire and advisor Elon Musk with dismantling USAID.
