Protecting State or Extorting People ?

Protecting State or Extorting People ?

By, Abah Roy
DPC Aswin Kota Cirebon

Buying a house is one of the greatest achievements in life.

It is not only about the physical building, but also about a sense of security, a place for a family to grow, and a symbol of independence. However, when the process occurs, a bitter reality emerges that is often overlooked at first: the state is present—not as a protector—but as a party that also “collects”.

Imagine, someone buys a house for Rp800 million.

There is no assistance from the state for the search process, renovation, let alone financing.

But when the transaction is carried out, the seller is required to pay Income Tax (PPh) of 2.5% of the transaction value, and the buyer pays Land and Building Acquisition Fee (BPHTB) of 5% of the sale value minus the NPOPTKP limit. The total? Around Rp57 million.

This figure does not include notary fees, name changes, and other administration.

So, the question arises, is this state really present as a servant of the people? Or do they act too often like tax collectors?

Taxes are indeed the backbone of state revenue.

But when people feel they are not getting adequate service, it is natural for disappointment to arise.

Especially if taxes are imposed on almost every aspect of life, buying food, credit, vehicles, even when someone dies, inheritances are taxed.

Ironically, in the history of the classical Islamic system, the state did not rely on levies from the common people. State revenue came from zakat, kharaj (agricultural produce), fa’i (war booty), jizyah, and public property. This system has been going on for hundreds of years and has proven to be able to support the state without burdening ordinary people.

Is this system ideal to be implemented today? Of course the debate will be long. But one thing is certain: if the burden continues to be placed on the shoulders of the people, without a balance of service and partisanship, then the state will lose its main meaning—as a protector and guardian.

The people do not need a state that is only present when there is something that can be taken. The people need a state that is present since they need it, not when they are only able.

It is time for us to ask again:
Is our tax system fair?

And is this country here to serve or extort?

Cirebon City, 04/19/2025

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