Indonesian Police Clarify Role of Community Officers in Taxpayer Oversight

Indonesian police have clarified the involvement of community guidance officers, known as Bhabinkamtibmas, in assisting the Directorate General of Taxes. Police spokesperson Irjen Johnny Eddizon Isir stressed that these officers are not tax officials and do not possess the authority to assess tax compliance, conduct audits, collect payments, or demand taxes from the public.

Isir explained that the synergy between the National Police (Polri) and the tax directorate is a form of inter-agency coordination, with each entity operating within its designated duties and authorities. Bhabinkamtibmas officers can contribute through community guidance and by building information networks at the local level. Their role is to foster partnerships, gather information, and disseminate relevant news to the community, always within the framework of Polri's responsibilities.

The police aim to prevent any misperception that Bhabinkamtibmas officers are acting as extensions of tax officials or as enforcement tools against non-compliant taxpayers. Isir emphasized that their involvement is purely preventive and persuasive, reiterating that they have no power to examine, assess, collect, or demand tax payments. This clarification is intended to ensure the public understands the true nature of this collaboration.

This clarification follows the circulation of a letter from the Director General of Taxes, outlining guidelines for tax compliance supervision. The letter mentioned the involvement of TNI (Indonesian National Armed Forces) and Polri personnel, specifically village guidance officers (Babinsa) and Bhabinkamtibmas, in supervisory activities. The police maintain that while they support inter-agency coordination for the public good, it must adhere strictly to legal provisions and avoid overlapping authority.