"Tax amnesty policy concerns only taxation. Dont politicize the policy," Jokowi said addressing around 10,000 business leaders attending the government campaign to socialize the tax amnesty program.
Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati, Chief Commissioner of the Financial Service Authority (OJK) Muliaman Hadad, general chairman of the Indonesian Business Association (Apindo) Haryadi Sukamdani, Attorney General H.M. Prasetyo, Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian and head of the Indonesian Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) M. Jusuf were also present to accompany the president.
Jokowi said the opportunity is open only until March 2017 to make use of the tax amnesty policy as in 2018, tax information will be all open between countries.
He guaranteed the confidentiality of data about tax payers using the tax amnesty program.
"The data may not be used for legal investigation and may not be given to anyone. One found leaking the data is facing a punishment of up to 5 years in jail," he warned.
He said support from law enforcement agencies including the attorney general, police chief and head of PPATK is clear for the tax amnesty policy.
The president said with the tax amnesty the country could hope to finance its development program with funds from the private sector.
"Construction of toll roads, and seaports do not have to be financed with funds from the state budget. The state funds could then be used more for rural development, health care , educations, etc. That is the program," he said.
He also said the national currency rupiah would also gain more strength as a result of the tax amnesty policy.
"The rupiah value would be controlled by the central bank that our exports would be more competitive," he added.(WDY)
