● Indonesia will raise VAT to 12% by 2025 to boost fiscal stability and fund public services
● ASEAN countries differ in VAT rates, reflecting diverse economic strategies
By Fayza Nawra Avanitanya, Muthia Noor Safitri, Kenzie Aryasatya, Imam Fakhri Prayogo Harionto
November 22. 2024 at 16:30 GMT+7
Indonesia’s Ministry of Finance has announced plans to increase the VAT rate to 12% by 2025, as mandated by the Harmonization of Tax Regulation Law (UU HPP). The announcement was made during a meeting with the House of Representatives (DPR) in the 9th Commission, where representatives sought clarification regarding the proposed increase.
With this adjustment, Indonesia will join the Philippines as one of the ASEAN countries with the highest VAT rates. At its current rate of 11%, implemented on April 1, 2022, Indonesia already holds the second-highest VAT rate in ASEAN, surpassing its neighbors and trailing only the Philippines, which currently leads with a VAT rate of 12%.
Minister of Finance of the Republic of Indonesia, Sri Mulyani Indrawati | Source: Kementerian Keuangan
VAT rates across ASEAN countries vary significantly, reflecting diverse fiscal priorities. The Philippines imposes the region’s highest VAT rate at 12%, a position Indonesia will share when its rate increases from 11% to 12% in 2025. Cambodia, Malaysia, Laos, and Vietnam maintain a uniform VAT rate of 10%, while Singapore recently adjusted its Goods and Services Tax (GST) to 9%. Thailand and Myanmar apply lower rates at 7%.
Notably, Brunei does not impose VAT, opting for an alternative fiscal approach. These differences highlight the varied reliance on consumption taxes across the region. While countries like the Philippines and Indonesia rely heavily on VAT to fund public expenditures, others, such as Malaysia and Singapore, have diversified tax regimes that depend less on indirect taxes to boost revenue streams.
ASEAN Flag | Source: iStock
The recent increase in Value-Added Tax (VAT) is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to maintain fiscal stability and safeguard the state budget amid evolving economic challenges. While concerns have been raised about its potential impact on purchasing power and the cost of living, the Ministry of Finance highlights the necessity of this policy to reinforce the country’s economic resilience.
VAT and the luxury goods tax (PPnBM), as major contributors to state revenue, play a critical role in funding essential public services, infrastructure, and social programs. By strengthening these revenue streams, the government aims to secure sustainable fiscal management and ensure long-term financial stability.
Sources:
CNBC
CNN
The Economic Times