Indonesian Army Denies Tax Collection Duties, Clarifies Information Role

The Indonesian Army (TNI AD) has firmly stated that it is not involved in tax collection or enforcing tax payments from citizens. This clarification comes in response to public discussion and concerns arising from a circular issued by the Directorate General of Taxes (DJP) of the Ministry of Finance, which suggested TNI AD's involvement in tax administration. Brig. Gen. Donny Pramono, head of the Army Information Service (Kadispenad), emphasized that the army has not been granted authority for tax supervision, examination, collection, or enforcement. He explained that the initial involvement of the TNI in tax-related matters, as outlined in a 2026 DJP circular, pertains to data collection and information network development. Specifically, Village Guidance Non-Commissioned Officers (Babinsa) and Community Security and Order Guidance Officers (Bhabinkamtibmas) were mentioned in the context of building territorial information networks. Pramono assured that the TNI AD has not issued any specific orders to its soldiers regarding tax affairs and views the DJP circular as a form of inter-agency coordination for state duties. The army's primary focus remains on territorial development, defense empowerment, social communication, and territorial resilience, as per existing regulations.

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We are not given authority to Babinsa to conduct supervision, examination, collection, or law enforcement in taxation.