Samsat II Semarang, Central Java, has publicly addressed recent rumors of a tax payment boycott prompted by a significant increase in motorized vehicle tax rates. Officials firmly deny any decline in tax payments, asserting that collections remain stable despite public discourse.
Observations by kumparan at a mobile Samsat service point in Semarang city revealed that numerous residents were still actively making their vehicle tax payments. A similar trend was noted at the main Samsat Banyumanik office, where, although not exceptionally crowded, taxpayers consistently arrived to fulfill their obligations.
Pratisto Nugroho, Head of Tax Section at Samsat II Semarang, refuted claims that the office was unusually quiet due to a tax boycott. He attributed the current numbers to the typical “tanggal tua” phenomenon—the period towards the end of the month before salaries are paid. “Today isn’t quite business as usual, but it’s not because of a boycott over the tax increase. It’s simply the end of the month. Historically, after the 20th, activity slows down as people haven’t received their paychecks. Peak hours are usually around 9 to 10 AM,” Pratisto explained to reporters on Monday, January 23rd.
5 Percent Discount, Yet an 11 Percent Overall Increase
Pratisto highlighted that on Saturday, January 21st—the inaugural day of a new 5 percent discount—approximately 1,000 individuals paid their taxes. However, he clarified, “While it was the first day of the discount, I believe it wasn’t solely due to that, as payment volumes were comparable even before the discount was introduced.”
He further elaborated that the actual motorized vehicle tax increase stems from an “opsen” or tax levy, resulting in a 16.6 percent rise compared to 2024 rates. The Central Java Provincial Government has since implemented a 5 percent discount to alleviate the burden, making the new rates “lighter.” “So, the increase is not 66 percent. That figure refers to the tax value allocated to districts/cities. The total effective increase is around 16.6 percent,” Pratisto clarified.
Samsat II Banyumanik aims for a significant increase in regional revenue, targeting Rp 206 billion in tax collections for 2026, up from Rp 198 billion projected for 2025. “Last year, the realization was only 93 percent,” he noted, expressing hope that the 5 percent discount, coupled with continuous public outreach, would help achieve these ambitious targets.
Pratisto stressed that for most, the individual increase is modest. “The increase is small. For motorcycles, it’s only about Rp 20,000. If the initial tax was Rp 200,000, after the opsen, it goes up by about Rp 25,000, so it remains affordable. If the increase reaches millions, it might be due to progressive tax rates on higher-value vehicles. This discount has only been active for two days, and we are continually raising awareness.”
The Central Java Revenue Agency (Bapenda Jateng) had previously provided a simulation of the motorized vehicle tax increase following the implementation of the “opsen” since January 2025. This simulation was shared via their Instagram account on January 10, 2025. According to the simulation:
- Before the “opsen,” the total vehicle tax for a vehicle with a Motorized Vehicle Sales Value (NJKB) of Rp 100,000,000 was Rp 1,575,000.
- After the “opsen,” the total became Rp 1,830,000. This indicates an increase of Rp 255,000, or 16.1 percent.
The Central Java Provincial Government is offering a 5 percent discount from February 20th until December 31st.
Muhammad Masrofi, Head of the Central Java Provincial Revenue Management Agency (Bapenda), confirmed that the tax increase technically came into effect in January 2025, in adherence to Law Number 1 Year 2022 on Fiscal Relations between the Central and Regional Governments. However, from January to March 2025, a substantial 13.94 percent discount was provided, preventing citizens from paying the full, higher rate.
“This year, initially, no discount was implemented, making it appear as if the tax had suddenly increased, even though the actual rise has been in effect since 2025. Due to public outcry, the Governor decided to grant a 5 percent discount,” Masrofi stated on Friday, June 24th, emphasizing the government’s responsiveness to citizen concerns.
Despite the current 5 percent discount, some residents continue to voice concerns over the elevated motorized vehicle tax. Didit, a resident of Pedurungan, Semarang, expressed frustration after paying Rp 203,000 for his 2014 Yamaha Mio motorcycle. “It’s still expensive for me because there’s clearly an increase compared to 2024. Older motorcycles should ideally have lower taxes, but that’s not the case. I hope the discount isn’t just 5 percent, but at least 10 percent,” Didit lamented.
Andi echoed similar sentiments, deeming the Rp 185,000 tax for his 2002 Honda Supra motorcycle excessive, especially considering its market value is approximately Rp 2.5 million. “Before the opsen, the tax was around Rp 128,000. I paid about Rp 180,000 in July 2025. I haven’t paid this year’s yet, but I will because I’m a compliant taxpayer. The discount should be larger, not just 5 percent. Those who diligently pay their taxes should be appreciated,” Andi asserted, highlighting a desire for greater incentives for obedient taxpayers.
Summary
Samsat II Semarang has denied rumors of a