Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce (Kadin) DKI Jakarta Sarman Simanjorang said that his party would support the Indonesian government, which plans to issue a Presidential Regulation (Perpres) regarding beneficial ownership, provided it is not limited to pursuing taxes from corporations.
“Well, as long as the goal is in the context of transparency, I think the business world will support it. However, do not want to pursue taxes instead,” said Sarman to Klik Legal, by telephone, on Friday (20/10) in Jakarta.
“I don’t think so, but how can the business world be invited to be transparent in all things. For example, existing Beneficial Ownerships, then whether they are from within or outside the country, for example,” Sarman continued.
Even though the aim is to prevent tax avoidance against entrepreneurs, he hopes the government can make wiser regulations that will not raise concerns among entrepreneurs. If not, the result will be more entrepreneurs who later try to avoid taxes.
Sarman said that the government should make policies that have positive values for entrepreneurs and the government itself so that the government policy will be seen as a policy that does not worry the business world. “This includes business developments, in opening branches, opening representative offices for example, so that there are no worries and no suspicion from business actors,” said Sarman.
Therefore, Sarman suggested that if it wanted to make a policy, it should first conduct socialization to the business world. It is intended that the business world can respond positively to this policy’s presence in the future. “No, for example, responding, which raises question marks, and there is concern among the business world,” he said.
So far, said Sarman, to disclose which party is the beneficial owner in a company can be found in the company’s deed. It all can be seen from the difference in wages generated. “There are also in the company’s composition, starting from the Commissioner, Director, President, or Manager, and the actual structure, wages, and salary already exist,” he said.
To access it, continued Sarman, it depends on each company policy. Some provide convenience, and some do not because each company’s competency is different, especially foreign investment. “Well, if that certainly doesn’t want the standard salary in Indonesia, he uses the standard overseas salary, for example,” he said.
As long as the beneficial ownership rules’ objective is transparency and disclosure of information, that companies in Indonesia have good corporate governance, Sarman believes that the business world will fully support the implementation of these policies without concern can run smoothly and effectively. Moreover, previously the policy had involved entrepreneurs by accommodating their suggestions and input.