Bekasi Southern District has set ambitious tax collection targets for the upcoming years, aiming for Total Property Tax (PBB) revenues to reach Rp73 billion by 2025. With the local government already pushing for improvements, expectations are high as the district hopes to realize 11% of this tax revenue by the end of March.
According to Isnaini, the Secretary of Bekasi Southern District, the city has implemented a 15% discount on PBB payments from February to March. "This discount greatly helps the people and is expected to encourage them to pay their PBB immediately," Isnaini asserted, highlighting the need to facilitate tax contributions from residents.
This discount is applicable to all categories of PBB, allowing residents to benefit before Ramadan, when household expenditures typically surge. The district’s efforts aim to increase awareness among citizens about the importance of timely tax payments to bolster local revenues. "We are conducting direct socialization and reminders to the public to leverage this discount before the fasting month," Isnaini explained.
With the overall target of Rp73 billion spanning five localities, Bekasi Southern District alone has set its revenue expectation at around Rp48 billion. So far, the district has successfully distributed PBB notification letters to 95% of the property owners. The remaining notifications involve residents living outside the city, causing delays.
To reach its targets, intensified outreach is necessary. Isnaini expressed hope for community cooperation: "I urge residents to pay their PBB so the Local Native Revenue (PAD) does not plunge like last year. If tax collections are optimum, development projects within Bekasi can proceed more smoothly, with the benefits directly felt by the community." This sentiment reflects the significant relationship between tax revenue and local development efforts.
By ensuring proper tax collection, Bekasi City aims to fund various public services and infrastructure projects; potential benefits include improved local amenities and community services. Engaging citizens to fulfill their tax obligations is expected to create improved funding flows for the district, resulting in long-term gains for public welfare.
The district government’s progressive strategy offers preliminary expectations toward fiscal recovery, and community contributions hold the potential to transform local governance significantly. By approaching these challenges head-on, Bekasi Southern District exemplifies proactive government effort to secure financial yield from property taxes—all for the improvement of its citizens' lives.