Never tax essentials
By taxing sanitary pads, books and micro entrepreneurs while letting corporate tax evasion slide, the government is essentially forcing ordinary citizens to subsidize state revenue at the expense of their basic dignity.
The Indonesian government's tax policy, which includes taxing essential items such as sanitary pads and books, is unfairly burdening low-income citizens. These basic necessities are being treated as consumer goods, subjecting them to value-added tax and putting additional financial strain on families. For millions of Indonesian women, menstrual products are an unavoidable monthly expense, while parents, in an effort to provide for their children, often have to choose between purchasing textbooks and other essential household items.
The concept of period poverty is a harsh reality for many, with women from low-income families often resorting to using rags due to the high cost and tax on menstrual products, which not only compromises their health but also their dignity. The high VAT on books, which is one of the highest in Southeast Asia, is also compounding the issue.
In a country where education is constitutionally mandated, such a tax on books is unjust. The government's aim to generate state revenue should not come at the cost of citizens' basic dignity. It is essential for the government to recognize that sanitary pads and books are not luxuries, but necessities for millions of people. As such, these items should be exempt from VAT or provided free of charge in schools, health facilities, and workplaces, especially for low-income women and students.
This policy change would not only alleviate financial burdens but also ensure that everyone has access to essential goods and education, promoting a more equitable society.
Written by urgent.news from The Jakarta Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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