Pontianak city administration proposes groundwater as new local tax object
Pontianak, Thekabarnews.com—The Pontianak city administration has proposed a new tax policy. This policy would allow the city’s regional tax system to include groundwater as a taxable item....
Pontianak, Thekabarnews.com—The Pontianak city administration has proposed a new tax policy. This policy would allow the city’s regional tax system to include groundwater as a taxable item. Mayor Edi Rusdi Kamtono announced this on March 2 at a full meeting of the Pontianak Regional Legislative Council (DPRD).
The city administration has sent out three drafts of regional rules (Raperda). One of these is the Draft Regulation on Regional Taxes and Retributions.
Edi Kamtono said that the policy’s goals are to help the environment. In addition, it aims to bring in more locally-generated revenue (PAD). He says that we should use groundwater in a way that is responsible and lasts because it is a limited natural resource.
“People should not take too much water from the ground. This rule will not only benefit the local economy, but it will also aid in monitoring and preventing excessive exploitation,” Edi stated during the meeting.
Edi Kamtono said that the water supply is under more stress and needs stronger rules to stay safe in the long run. Therefore, the city aims to monitor groundwater usage. It also seeks to promote responsible use by incorporating it into the local tax system.
The cities that use too much groundwater can make the land sink. Overuse can cause the water quality to drop and the ecosystems to change. As a result, local governments are using policies like raising taxes on groundwater to control its use. They also fund environmental protection programs this way.
The Pontianak Regional Legislative Council (DPRD) head, Satarudin, said he backed the proposal because it follows national rules. Furthermore, it aligns with the budget changes made in all of Indonesia’s regions.
“The city council backs the government’s effort to align tax policies with national regulations and environmental protection goals,” stated Satarudin.
However, he stressed that authorities must support the policy with fair regulations and clear supervision. This is necessary to make sure it does not put too much pressure on businesses or communities.
Satarudin said the city government must implement the regulation transparently to maintain public trust and achieve both economic and environmental goals. Furthermore, it will require effective oversight.
The rule will be part of Pontianak’s bigger plan to better manage local money if the city council agrees. It will also get people to use natural resources in a responsible way.
The program is part of a trend in Indonesia’s regional governments to include environmental issues in their budgets. This trend is especially true in places where there are not many natural resources, like groundwater.
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