Jember land, building taxes under target

JEMBER: The Jember regency administration generated only Rp 15.5 billion (US$1.4 million) in revenue from land and building taxes which was Rp 5.5 billion lower than the target for 2008, a local official said.

Head of the revenue agency Suprapto said this was because local residents still were not aware of the importance of paying taxes in return for government and public services.

"Many civil servants and local officials still evade paying taxes, but they should be good examples to the community and remain in compliance with the tax law," he said.

He said residents of three districts -Sumbersari, Patrang and Kaliwates-have not paid their land and building taxes and the government had yet to impose any fines on residents for failing to pay their taxes. - JP