MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM- The Regional Revenue Agency of North Sumatra Province (Bapenda) provided a mobile bus service for vehicle tax payments on Friday, 16 October 2026, as part of its 'Operasi Sadar Pajak' (Tax Awareness Operation) campaign on Jalan Putri Hijau in Medan. The initiative aims to make it easier for residents to meet their tax obligations and raise awareness of the importance of paying taxes on time.
The Regional Revenue Agency conducted the joint operation in collaboration with the Traffic Directorate of the North Sumatra Police. In addition to reminding motorists of their obligation to pay
vehicle tax, the initiative was also intended to encourage greater discipline among road users.
The Head of the North Sumatra Regional Revenue Agency, Sutan Tolang Lubis, explained that the 'Operasi Sadar Pajak' campaign was one of the government's measures to remind people of outstanding tax obligations. By engaging directly with the public, officials hoped to improve understanding of the importance of making regular tax payments.
"We want to raise public awareness about paying taxes. Some people forget to fulfil their tax obligations. That is why we are reminding them in a friendly manner," Sutan Tolang Lubis said.
In his view, a persuasive approach that brings public services closer to the community is essential to improving tax compliance. The government wants not only to remind motorists of their responsibilities but also to make payments more convenient, enabling them to settle their taxes at the location without having to look for another service centre.
Mobile Tax Bus Makes Payments Easier
One of the most notable facilities at the operation was the mobile tax bus. The North Sumatra Regional Revenue Agency provided the service to bring public services closer to residents. It is particularly beneficial for motorists who want to pay their vehicle tax quickly and conveniently.
The service allows residents to pay their taxes directly at the operation site. They therefore do not need to make a separate visit to an Integrated Vehicle Administration System (Samsat) office. This can save time, particularly when long queues form at regular service centres.
Sutan Tolang said deploying mobile buses was part of the government's efforts to improve the quality of public services. The agency also distributed gifts to people who paid their taxes during the operation. The initiative was intended to recognise their participation and encourage more residents to fulfil their tax obligations.
"At the tax awareness operation site, we have a
mobile tax bus to make it easier for people to pay their taxes. We also give small gifts to those who have paid," Tolang explained.
The North Sumatra Regional Revenue Agency plans to extend the 'Operasi Sadar Pajak' campaign to all 33 regencies and cities across the province. Through this expansion, the provincial government aims to strengthen public tax awareness across the region and make payment services more accessible to residents in different areas.
Sutan Tolang urged residents not to wait until their
vehicle tax payment deadline approaches or passes before making payment. He hoped that services provided directly to the public would reduce administrative barriers and encourage motorists to fulfil their obligations more consistently.
SUTAN TOLANG LUBIS PROMOTES GREATER TAX COMPLIANCE: The Head of the North Sumatra Regional Revenue Agency, Sutan Tolang Lubis, urges residents to pay their vehicle tax on time. He also explains how the mobile tax bus makes the payment process more convenient. (PHOTO: Fahmi Aulia)
Tax Revenue Supports Infrastructure Development
The Director of the Traffic Directorate of the North Sumatra Police, Police Commissioner Achmad Fauzi, also supported efforts to improve tax compliance. He urged the public not to regard tax payments merely as an administrative obligation but also to recognise them as a contribution to regional development.
According to Fauzi, tax revenue helps fund a range of public facilities that people rely on in their daily lives. Roads, bridges and street lighting are examples of infrastructure whose development is supported by public funds.
"I urge the public to fulfil their obligations and pay their taxes. This tax revenue is used to build roads, bridges, street lighting and much more. The money comes from us and benefits all of us," he said.
The message highlights the connection between meeting tax obligations and achieving sustainable regional development. When residents pay their taxes properly, the government has revenue that can be allocated to infrastructure projects and public services in accordance with applicable regulations.
The joint operation by the revenue agency and the police also demonstrates how tax awareness campaigns can be combined with initiatives to improve road safety. During such operations, officers can remind motorists of their responsibilities while offering them more accessible payment services.
The approach is intended to strengthen the public's sense of responsibility. Rather than focusing solely on existing obligations, it also provides practical assistance to make those obligations easier to fulfil.
ACHMAD FAUZI URGES PUBLIC TO SUPPORT REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT: The Director of the Traffic Directorate of the North Sumatra Police, Police Commissioner Achmad Fauzi, reminds residents that tax revenue helps fund the construction and improvement of roads, bridges, street lighting and other public facilities. (PHOTO: Fahmi Aulia)
Residents Call for More Mobile Tax Buses
The benefits of the mobile tax service were immediately apparent to people taking part in the operation. Rini, a resident of the Amplas district, said the bus service had made paying vehicle tax easier and faster.
She compared the service at the operation site with her previous experiences of paying taxes at a Samsat office, where long waiting times could be a problem. In her view, deploying mobile buses at more locations could offer a practical solution for people who want to meet their obligations without spending too much time on the process.
"I hope there will be more buses like this. Then we can pay our taxes more easily. There are often long queues at Samsat offices. If there were more buses like these, I am sure more people would pay their taxes," she said.
Rini considered the North Sumatra Regional Revenue Agency's decision to bring its services directly to the public an important step forward. As well as being more convenient, the outreach service is more efficient because residents do not have to travel specifically to a Samsat office and wait for their payments to be processed.
Her experience illustrates how the accessibility of public services can influence whether people fulfil their tax obligations. The easier the payment process becomes, the more opportunities residents have to pay their taxes on time.
Expanding the
mobile tax bus service could become an important strategy for improving tax compliance across North Sumatra. Combined with continuous information and public awareness campaigns, more convenient payment options are expected to encourage greater public participation in securing regional revenue.
Through the 'Operasi Sadar Pajak' campaign, the North Sumatra Regional Revenue Agency and police are encouraging residents to foster a culture of tax compliance and discipline on the roads. The government also hopes the public will gain a better understanding of the important role tax contributions play in regional development and recognise that the resulting improvements ultimately benefit the entire community. (IDNC)
REPORTER:
Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR:
Fik Sagala