Bandung (9/8), the Association of Private Higher Education Institutions (ABP-PTSI), in collaboration with the Foundation and Universitas Widyatama, held a seminar with the theme “Tax Seminar and Issues in Private Higher Education Institutions (PTS)”. With an audience consisting of representatives from private universities throughout West Java (Jabar), the event invited guests including the Provincial Secretary of West Java, the Head of the West Java I Regional Tax Office, the General Manager of PT.PLN Distribusi Jabar dan Banten, the Chair of the Private University Coordination for Region IV, represented by the Secretary, as well as ABP-PTSI officials from both the central and regional offices. Also present were the Rector of Widyatama and his staff, the Chair of the Foundation Management Board, and the Chair of the Widyatama Foundation Advisory Board.
The first speech was delivered by the Chair of the Widyatama Foundation Management Board, Sri Lestari Roespinoedji, S.H. She warmly welcomed the continuous cooperation with ABP-PTSI, of course in the context of coordination and synergy with other private educational institutions. She also hoped that there would be harmony among private associations in developing Indonesia, especially in the context of facing the Asian Economic Community. In addition, in another speech, Drs. H. Sali Iskandar, Chairman of ABP-PTSI West Java and Banten, explained that the purpose of the meeting was to mediate between private universities, the Director General of Taxes, and PLN, represented by the General Manager, regarding the payment of taxes imposed on private universities, particularly educational foundations, and electricity payment issues.
“Educational foundations invest most of their profits back into educational institutions, not to enrich the foundation’s administrators or supervisors. In fact, supervisors and administrators of foundations are not allowed to receive honoraria or similar payments. In accordance with the nature of foundations as non-profit organizations, referring to Law of the Republic of Indonesia No. 16 of 2001 concerning foundations, they are not subject to tax,” Sali added. With that, PTS, through a forum held by ABP-PTSI, mediated between the decision makers, namely the provincial government, the Directorate General of Taxes, and PLN, with private educational institutions to achieve a win-win solution with maximum output.
The event, which was held at the Widyatama Multipurpose Auditorium, was opened by Iwa Karniwa, S.E., Ak., MM., CA., PIA, on behalf of the West Java Secretary, who supported the reduction or elimination of land and building taxes imposed on foundations. In addition, he also wanted coordination between ABP-PTSI to simultaneously approach the local government regarding the complete elimination of taxes that should not be imposed on non-profit companies. Furthermore, Iwa invited academics to not only conduct research, but also to implement and contribute to the region in order to increase the Gross Margin. In addition to the tridharma program that is being implemented, government programs are also assisted by academics.
