Jakarta – The government has taken swift action to expedite the distribution of humanitarian aid to disaster-affected communities in Sumatra by approving a Value Added Tax (VAT) exemption on donations of suitable clothing. This policy is expected to expedite aid distribution and encourage the participation of businesses and the public in disaster relief efforts.
President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, approved the VAT exemption policy for donated clothing to be distributed to disaster victims as a form of the state’s commitment to humanitarian interests. The President emphasized that fiscal regulations must be adaptive in emergency situations to ensure that aid is not hampered by administrative procedures. He also stated that the state must be present to ensure that aid reaches affected communities promptly. “In disaster situations, the state must make it easier, not more difficult, so that humanitarian aid can reach the people quickly,” he emphasized.
This policy includes the distribution of rejected or rejected clothing that is still suitable for use as humanitarian aid. The President assessed this measure as being in line with the principles of efficiency and national solidarity, emphasizing that state policy must prioritize the interests of the people and humanity. “The most important thing is that the clothing is useful and actually reaches our brothers and sisters affected by the disaster,” he said.
Indonesian Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa explained that the VAT exemption on clothing donations was carried out selectively and in a controlled manner, in accordance with statutory regulations. He ensured that monitoring mechanisms remained in place to ensure that aid reached its intended targets, while also emphasizing the flexibility of fiscal policy in emergency situations. “This tax facility is provided so that the distribution of humanitarian aid is not hampered and can be immediately distributed to those in need,” he explained.
Purbaya added that coordination across ministries and agencies continues to be strengthened to ensure the aid distribution process is swift, transparent, and accountable. According to him, this policy reflects the role of the state budget as an instrument for public protection, emphasizing that the state’s presence must be felt directly in crisis situations. “The state budget is there to protect the people, especially when they face disaster,” he added.
This VAT exemption policy on clothing donations is part of the government’s commitment to strengthening the national disaster response. The government hopes that synergy between the state, the business world, and the community can accelerate recovery and ease the burden on disaster-affected communities in Sumatra.
