Dahlan Iskan : "PAPER TAX IS ABOUT TO BE ERASED!"

The expression of 35 chairmen of Association of Press Publishers (SPS) from all provinces in Indonesia looked bright. On that Wednesday (17/7), the Chairman of SPS, Dahlan Iskan, stated a good news when they all gathered in Dewan Pers Building, 6th floor.

On that gathering, there were 18 SPS Chairmen from each province, Superintendent Board, Consideration Board, and Daily Management. Also presented the daily chairman Ridlo ‘Eisy, the general secretary Ahmad Djauhar, and others.

“Two days ago, I met the Minister of Finance, Chatib Basri. He cued an opportunity to free the tax of paper for newspaper,” said Dahlan.

The tax we are talking about is value added tax (PPN). Dahlan’s statement was a respond for West Sumatera SPS Chairman, Darlis Sofyan. “I want this organization keep fighting for no tax for knowledge for newspaper publishers. It happened for books tax,” said Darlis.

This information was celebrated with applause from all participants. “We should send a letter to Minister of Finance, so we can meet and explain about this problem,” said Dahlan again. “If this campaign succeed, it will be the history and the biggest gift from SPS to its members,” said Riau SPS Chairman, Syafriadi.

Since 10 years ago, SPS had fought for this paper buy tax free, even for newspaper selling tax. All book publishers had gotten it since a few years ago. But even minister of finance has been replaced twice, the struggle still had no result. In Chatib Basri era, SPS hoped that ministry of fund can respond this aspiration.

In a number of European countries, the buying and selling tax had been demolished since a long time ago, as the country’s responsibility to educate people. The paper itself is the main product for print industry and the biggest cost component for publishers. If the paper for newspaper will be erased, it will significantly reduce cost for press publishers.

The paper in international market is reaching U$675 per metrix ton, and it can fluctuate depends on Rupiah exchange value. The price is highly increase to U$200 since this last two years. (asw - ella)