Jakarta, Aktual.com – The government raised the tobacco tax rates for 2017 contained in Finance Minister Regulation (PMK) No. 147 / PMK.010 / 2016.
“The government feel that smoking is detrimental to public health commodities. Therefore, the consumption should be limited. Increasing the tax rates is indeed intended to control the consumption and distribution of cigarettes,” Sri Mulyani, Minister of Finance in a press conference at the Head Office of the Director General of Customs, Jakarta, Friday (30/9).
In the new excise policy, mentioned the increase in the highest tax rates of 13.46 percent for the types of tobacco products White Cigarettes Machine (SPM) and the lowest tax rate of 0 per cent for tobacco products Clove Cigarettes Hand (SKT) class IIIB, with the increase in the weighted average 10.54 per cent.
In addition to the increase in tax rates, the government also raised the retail selling price (retail price) with an average of 12.26 percent.
The main thing to be considered is the increase in production control, labor, illegal cigarettes, and tax revenues.
Sri Mulyani also expected, the increase in the excise tax could also positively correlated with the receipt of the excise sector. In 2017, tax revenues targeted Rp149,8 trillion, which represents 10 percent of total tax revenue.
“Although there was a slight decline, but its contribution is significant. This means that governments and communities should jointly safeguard the tax policy because if missed, will be directly related to the state budget that will ultimately affect national development, “said Sri Mulyani.
Sri Mulyani said that the policy has been discussed with various stakeholders, including those who are concerned with health and employment, tobacco farmers, tobacco companies and associations.
It also has conducted meetings and discussions with local government, foundations, and universities. Of the meeting and the discussion, be concluded that the increase in excise duty is a step that must be taken in order to control consumption and production.
However, the increase must be balanced so not to negatively affect the availability of jobs and the chance of survival for small industries.
*Musdianto
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