Indonesian Army Denies New Tax Oversight Role for Village Officers

The Indonesian Army has clarified that there are no new assignments or changes to the duties of Babinsa (village non-commissioned officers) regarding tax oversight. Brig. Gen. Donny Pramono, Head of the Army Information Service, stated that the inclusion of Babinsa in a circular from the Director-General of Taxes pertains solely to inter-agency coordination for gathering information within their territorial areas.

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The Indonesian Army emphasizes that to date, there are no new assignments or changes to the primary duties of Babinsa in the field of taxation.

He explained that the Director-General of Taxes' Circular SE-8/PJ/2026 serves as an internal guideline for the Directorate General of Taxes (DJP) in monitoring taxpayer compliance. The circular outlines various data collection methods and information network development as part of the DJP's tasks. In this context, the mention of Babinsa and Bhabinkamtibmas (village police officers) is strictly for building territorial information networks and does not grant them authority for tax oversight, examination, collection, or enforcement.

"Therefore, it is inaccurate to interpret this mention as an expansion of Babinsa's duties or authority," Pramono stated. The DJP has further clarified that Babinsa are not tax officials and possess no authority in tax-related enforcement. The coordination mentioned is part of inter-agency synergy, aimed at supporting the smooth execution of DJP officials' tasks in the field when necessary. All tax authority remains with the DJP, and this circular is an improvement of internal guidelines established in 2020, not a new policy.

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Therefore, it is inaccurate to interpret this mention as an expansion of Babinsa's duties or authority.

The Army reiterated that inter-agency coordination is a standard practice in government operations, enhancing effectiveness without altering the functions, authorities, or institutional responsibilities of involved parties. For the Army, Babinsa's duties continue to be guided by regulations on territorial development, defense empowerment, community communication, and territorial resilience. Babinsa consistently coordinate and communicate with local government elements, security apparatus, and community components in carrying out their responsibilities.

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All tax authority remains with the Directorate General of Taxes in accordance with statutory provisions.