MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - The North Sumatra Provincial Government is stepping up its public information campaign for its tax revenue intensification and expansion programme, which offers various forms of tax relief, including exemptions from certain Motor Vehicle Tax (Pajak Kendaraan Bermotor/PKB) obligations.
The programme runs from 2 to 30 November 2026. It aims to help vehicle owners reduce outstanding tax liabilities while encouraging greater compliance with vehicle registration and taxation requirements.
To reach as many people as possible, the provincial government has instructed all Regional Government Agencies (Organisasi Perangkat Daerah/OPD) to promote the programme through their respective communication channels. The involvement of all agencies is considered essential to ensure that residents across the province are aware of the tax relief available.
The Head of the North Sumatra Communication and Informatics Office (Dinas Komunikasi dan Informatika/Kominfo), Erwin Hotmansah Harahap, explained that the programme provides several forms of tax exemption, subject to the applicable requirements and regulations.
"The programme runs from 2 to 30 November 2026. Participants must comply with the relevant requirements and regulations. Payments can be made through the SIGNAL or e-SAMSAT applications," Erwin said on Friday, 30 October 2026.
Five Tax and Levy Categories Eligible for Exemption
The motor vehicle tax relief programme covers five categories designed to ease the financial burden on vehicle owners.
First, the provincial government is waiving outstanding principal Motor Vehicle Tax (PKB) liabilities for the third tax year and subsequent years. This provision allows vehicle owners with qualifying arrears to settle their tax obligations at a lower cost.
Second, late payment penalties for Motor Vehicle Tax (PKB) are being waived. This removes the additional financial burden imposed on vehicle owners who have failed to pay their taxes by the required deadlines.
Third, the programme covers the waiver of both the principal amount and late payment penalties for the second transfer of motor vehicle ownership (Bea Balik Nama Kendaraan Bermotor/BBNKB II). This relief applies to the tax payable on the ownership transfer as well as any associated penalties.
Fourth, progressive Motor Vehicle Tax charges are being waived. This provision applies to the progressive tax imposed on individuals who own more than one motor vehicle.
Fifth, late payment penalties on outstanding mandatory contributions to the Road Traffic Accident Fund (Sumbangan Wajib Dana Kecelakaan Lalu Lintas Jalan/SWDKLLJ) from previous years are also being waived. These mandatory contributions are associated with road traffic activities and help finance accident insurance coverage.
The five relief measures form part of the provincial government's efforts to make it easier for vehicle owners to fulfil their financial obligations. Residents are therefore encouraged to take advantage of the limited programme period and settle their outstanding liabilities in accordance with the applicable regulations.
In addition, the provincial government has provided digital payment facilities through the SIGNAL application and e-SAMSAT service. These platforms enable residents to pay their motor vehicle taxes online without necessarily having to visit a service office in person.
TAX PAYMENTS THROUGH DIGITAL SERVICES: North Sumatra Communication and Informatics Office Head Erwin Hotmansah Harahap explains that residents can use the SIGNAL and e-SAMSAT applications to make tax payments during the programme period. (PHOTO: Fahmi Aulia)
Government Agencies Urged to Expand Public Information Campaign
Erwin explained that the provincial government intends to strengthen the role of all heads of regional government agencies in ensuring that residents receive comprehensive information about the programme. All agencies have been instructed to make use of their communication channels and existing information networks to reach as many sections of the public as possible.
These efforts are expected to accelerate the distribution of information, particularly among vehicle owners who still have outstanding tax liabilities and could benefit from the exemptions on offer.
The government emphasised that the success of the programme would not depend solely on the provision of tax relief. Equally important is how effectively the public is informed about the benefits and practical implementation of the scheme.
Widespread dissemination of information is therefore considered an important step towards increasing public participation throughout the programme period, from 2 to 30 November 2026.
Promoting Tax Compliance and Increasing Regional Revenue
According to Erwin, the tax revenue intensification and expansion programme is not solely intended to increase Regional Own-Source Revenue (Pendapatan Asli Daerah/PAD) from motor vehicle taxation. The government also aims to promote proper vehicle administration and strengthen public awareness of tax responsibilities.
He stressed that tax payments directly contribute to the financial capacity of the regional government, enabling it to fund various development projects and public services. Regional own-source revenue represents an important funding stream for provincial expenditure and supports both infrastructure development and the provision of public facilities.
"Taxes paid by residents contribute to regional own-source revenue and serve as one of the funding sources for regional government expenditure. This includes the roads people use every day, the schools where their children study, and healthcare services for the community. Every rupiah paid goes back to benefit the people themselves," Erwin said.
Through this programme, the North Sumatra Provincial Government hopes that residents will not only take advantage of the available tax exemptions to reduce their outstanding liabilities but also become more consistent in fulfilling their tax obligations in the years ahead.
The government is urging all motor vehicle owners to seize this opportunity before the programme ends on 30 November 2026. Residents are also encouraged to share the information with family members, relatives and people in their communities so that as many people as possible become aware of the available relief measures.
By encouraging greater taxpayer participation, the provincial government hopes to optimise revenue from motor vehicle taxation and strengthen funding for development projects and improvements to public services throughout North Sumatra. (IDNC)
REPORTER:
Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR:
Fik Sagala