Legislator Rieke Diah Pitaloka Expresses Outrage Over Property Tax Bill for Pesantren Al-Fath Jalen

Jakarta, VIVA – A fervent outcry has erupted from the halls of Indonesia’s parliament following revelations that a venerable Islamic boarding school, Pesantren Al-Fath Jalen, located in Tambun Utara, Kabupaten Bekasi, has been issued a Property and Building Tax (PBB) bill. Rieke Diah Pitaloka, a prominent member of Commission VI of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) from the PDI Perjuangan faction, publicly voiced her strong disapproval, specifically addressing the Finance Minister, whom she referred to as "Kang Purbaya." The incident, captured in a video posted on her personal Instagram account @riekediahp under the banner "Viral for Justice" and hashtag #SavePesantrenIndonesia, has ignited a broader debate about the implementation of tax regulations for non-profit religious and educational institutions across the archipelago.

Rieke’s impassioned plea came during a visit to Pesantren Al-Fath Jalen, a revered institution established by the late Kiai Yasin. She described her shock and anger upon learning that officials from the Regional Revenue Agency (Badan Pendapatan Daerah) had arrived to collect tax payments. "Suddenly, people from the Regional Revenue Agency came to collect tax. Kang Purbaya, please, Kang Purbaya," Rieke exclaimed in the video, her voice conveying a mix of frustration and urgency. She argued vehemently that the taxation of such an institution fundamentally contradicts existing legal frameworks and the very spirit of national policy aimed at supporting public welfare initiatives.

The Role of Pesantrens in Indonesian Society and the Legal Framework of PBB Exemption

Pesantrens, traditional Islamic boarding schools, hold an indispensable position in the fabric of Indonesian society. For centuries, these institutions have served as vital centers for religious education, moral development, and community building, often extending beyond purely spiritual instruction to provide general education, vocational training, and social services. They are deeply embedded in local communities, particularly in rural areas, where they frequently fill gaps in government-provided education and social welfare. Many pesantrens operate on a non-profit basis, relying on community donations, endowments (wakaf), and the dedication of their founders and staff. Their contribution to national character building, interfaith harmony, and human resource development is widely recognized, and successive Indonesian governments have often acknowledged their unique status and role.

The legal basis for PBB exemption for certain public interest entities is enshrined in national legislation, primarily Law No. 12 of 1985 concerning Property and Building Tax, as amended by Law No. 12 of 1994, and further refined by Law No. 28 of 2009 on Local Taxes and Retributions. The latter transferred the authority for collecting PBB P2 (Property and Building Tax for Rural and Urban areas) from the central government to local administrations, empowering regional governments to manage and collect this tax.

Central to Rieke’s argument is Article 38 (or the equivalent article in the relevant PBB regulations), which typically stipulates that objects of PBB do not apply to land and buildings used solely for public interest in the fields of religion, social welfare, health, education, and national culture, provided they are not intended to generate profit. This exemption is crucial for institutions like pesantrens, mosques, churches, orphanages, public hospitals, and non-profit schools, recognizing their essential public service without commercial gain. The rationale behind such exemptions is clear: to alleviate the financial burden on organizations that are already contributing significantly to public welfare, often with limited resources. Taxing these institutions would directly impede their ability to provide critical services and could ultimately shift more responsibility back onto the state.

"My brother’s foundation is not seeking profit. How dare they demand payment? We will settle this legally, of course," Rieke asserted, underscoring her determination to challenge the tax demand. She further emphasized, "Pesantrens have taken over the responsibility of the state. Things like this should certainly not happen." Her statement highlights the moral and practical dilemma when state agencies tax institutions that are effectively performing state functions in education and social welfare.

A Detailed Chronology of Pesantren Al-Fath Jalen’s Predicament

The situation at Pesantren Al-Fath Jalen did not escalate overnight but developed over more than a decade, marked by a critical misunderstanding between the pesantren management and official procedures.

• Pre-2010: Establishment and Operation: Pesantren Al-Fath Jalen was established by the late Kiai Yasin as a non-profit institution dedicated to religious education and community service in Tambun Utara, Kabupaten Bekasi. From its inception, it operated with the understanding that its charitable and educational nature would exempt it from property taxes.
• 2010: Wakaf Certification and Initial Misinformation: Around 2010, the pesantren management, under Naili, initiated the process of obtaining a wakaf (religious endowment) certificate for its property. During this lengthy and reportedly costly process at the Office of Religious Affairs (KUA), they sought clarification on their tax obligations. Naili recounted, "Around 2010, we processed with the KUA for the wakaf certificate. It turned out the process was long and expensive. At that time, the KUA told us that pesantrens were exempt from PBB. Since we are laypeople, we just believed it." This statement from a seemingly authoritative government body solidified the pesantren’s belief in their exemption status, leading them to operate for years without applying for or paying PBB.
• 2010-2023: Operating Under Presumed Exemption: For over a decade, Pesantren Al-Fath Jalen continued its educational and social activities, expanding its facilities and serving its community, all while assuming its PBB obligations were waived based on the KUA’s advice. No PBB bills were received during this period, reinforcing their understanding.
• 2024: First PBB Bills Arrive: The situation dramatically changed in 2024 when the pesantren unexpectedly began receiving official PBB bills from the Regional Revenue Agency. This marked a significant departure from their long-held understanding and caused considerable confusion and concern among the management.
• Early 2025: Threat of "Police Line" and Emotional Distress: The situation escalated further in early 2025. Naili revealed the distressing development: "In 2025, we received a letter stating that our pesantren would be ‘police-lined’." The term "police line" in this context refers to the placement of a police line or a similar official seal, typically indicating asset seizure or impending closure due to legal non-compliance, such as unpaid taxes. This threat caused immense emotional distress to the pesantren management. Naili tearfully admitted, "I cried, honestly. Not long after that, Abah (Kiai Yasin) passed away." The timing suggests the stress of the tax issue may have compounded the challenges faced by the aging Kiai Yasin.
• October 22, 2025: Rieke Diah Pitaloka’s Intervention: On this date, Rieke Diah Pitaloka visited Pesantren Al-Fath Jalen, bringing the pesantren’s plight to national attention through her social media channels and parliamentary platform. Her visit and subsequent public statements have thrust the issue into the spotlight, prompting calls for immediate resolution and systemic review.

Official Responses and Broader Implications

The unfolding situation has drawn responses from various stakeholders, highlighting both the procedural complexities and the commitment to uphold justice for non-profit institutions.

• Rieke Diah Pitaloka’s Stance: Beyond her initial emotional outburst, Rieke’s statements underscore a principled stand. She views the taxation of Pesantren Al-Fath Jalen as an unjust burden on an institution that serves the public good without commercial intent. Her call to the Finance Minister, Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa, albeit an individual whose primary public role is not that of Finance Minister, reflects her appeal to the highest financial authority to intervene and rectify what she perceives as a gross administrative error and injustice. Her legislative role empowers her to scrutinize government policies and advocate for her constituents, and this incident falls squarely within the realm of public service oversight.

• Naili’s Account: As the pesantren manager, Naili’s testimony is crucial. It reveals the vulnerability of community-run institutions to bureaucratic miscommunication and the emotional toll exacted by such administrative challenges. Her trust in the KUA’s initial guidance highlights a systemic issue where information from one government agency (KUA) may not align with the practices or requirements of another (Regional Revenue Agency), leaving citizens confused and exposed.

• Nyumarno, Member of DPRD Kabupaten Bekasi: The presence and statement of Nyumarno, a member of the Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) for Kabupaten Bekasi, offer a ray of hope for the pesantren. Nyumarno confirmed that local regulations in Kabupaten Bekasi indeed provide for tax exemptions for non-commercial places of worship and educational institutions. "In Kabupaten Bekasi, there is indeed a regulation that places of worship or non-commercial Islamic boarding schools can be proposed for PBB exemption," Nyumarno stated. He acknowledged the practical issues where "tagihan [bills] come without prior socialization." Crucially, he pledged direct assistance: "For Pesantren Al-Fath, I will personally accompany them to ensure they are freed from PBB." This local legislative support is vital for navigating the administrative labyrinth.

• Inferred Response from the Ministry of Finance/Regional Tax Authorities: While no direct official statement from the Ministry of Finance or the Regional Revenue Agency of Kabupaten Bekasi was immediately available following Rieke’s public remarks, the gravity of the situation would logically necessitate a response. Such a response would likely involve an investigation into the specific case of Pesantren Al-Fath Jalen, a review of their tax status, and a commitment to upholding the legal exemptions for non-profit institutions. It might also involve clarifying the procedures for applying for and maintaining tax-exempt status, acknowledging potential communication gaps between different government bodies (like KUA and tax agencies), and reiterating the government’s support for religious and educational institutions. The goal would be to demonstrate accountability and prevent similar incidents from recurring.

• Inferred Response from the Ministry of Religious Affairs: Given Naili’s account of receiving misleading information from the KUA, the Ministry of Religious Affairs, which oversees KUAs, might also issue a statement. This would likely emphasize the importance of accurate information dissemination by its local offices regarding administrative procedures, particularly those related to wakaf and its implications for tax status. It could also lead to internal reviews to ensure KUA officials are adequately trained and updated on all relevant regulations.

• Public and Religious Leaders’ Reactions: The incident is likely to resonate widely within religious communities and the broader public. Religious leaders and advocacy groups would probably express solidarity with Pesantren Al-Fath Jalen and call for greater clarity, fairness, and efficiency in government administration. There would be a strong sentiment that institutions serving the public good should be supported, not burdened, by bureaucratic hurdles.

Supporting Data and Context

Indonesia boasts a vast network of pesantrens, with data from the Ministry of Religious Affairs indicating thousands of these institutions across the country, educating millions of students annually. These figures underscore their immense societal impact and the sheer scale of the potential problem if tax exemptions are not consistently and correctly applied. The collective contribution of pesantrens to Indonesia’s human capital development and social cohesion is immeasurable, often operating on shoestring budgets.

The legal framework governing PBB collection has undergone significant shifts. While national laws set the overarching principles, the decentralization of PBB P2 collection to local governments through Law No. 28 of 2009 means that specific implementation details, including the application process for exemptions, can vary slightly between regions. This decentralization aims to empower local governments to manage their own revenues but also introduces potential for inconsistencies in application and interpretation. The total PBB revenue collected annually contributes significantly to local government budgets, funding various public services. However, the amounts collected from non-profit institutions, if they were to be taxed, would likely be negligible compared to the overall revenue, while the impact on the institutions themselves could be devastating.

Analysis of Broader Implications

The case of Pesantren Al-Fath Jalen is more than an isolated incident; it illuminates several critical issues within Indonesia’s administrative landscape:

1. Bureaucratic Disconnect and Inefficiency: The core of the problem lies in the apparent disconnect between different government agencies. The KUA’s advice to the pesantren in 2010 directly contradicted the subsequent actions of the Regional Revenue Agency. This highlights a systemic challenge where lack of inter-agency coordination and consistent information dissemination can lead to significant hardship for citizens and institutions.
2. Impact on Non-Profit Social Institutions: The threat of "police-lining" a pesantren for unpaid taxes, particularly one that genuinely serves the public good without commercial intent, sends a chilling message to other similar institutions. Such actions can financially cripple these organizations, diverting their meager resources from their core mission towards legal battles and tax payments, and potentially undermining their very existence.
3. Importance of Public Advocacy and Legislative Oversight: Rieke Diah Pitaloka’s intervention demonstrates the crucial role of public figures and legislators in holding government bodies accountable. Without such advocacy, many similar cases of administrative injustice might go unnoticed and unresolved, leaving vulnerable institutions without recourse.
4. Need for Clearer Guidelines and Socialization: The incident underscores the urgent need for clearer, more accessible guidelines regarding PBB exemptions for non-profit entities. There must be robust socialization campaigns by tax authorities to ensure that eligible institutions are aware of the application processes for exemptions and that these processes are streamlined and transparent.
5. Precedent Setting: The resolution of the Pesantren Al-Fath Jalen case could set an important precedent. A favorable outcome, driven by legislative and local government intervention, could prompt a nationwide review of how PBB exemptions are applied to religious, educational, and social non-profit organizations, potentially preventing similar predicaments for countless other institutions. This case could become a catalyst for improving administrative fairness and efficiency across the country.

Conclusion

The emotional appeal from Rieke Diah Pitaloka concerning the taxation of Pesantren Al-Fath Jalen has brought to light a significant administrative challenge that affects vital non-profit institutions across Indonesia. While the immediate focus is on securing the PBB exemption for this specific pesantren, as pledged by DPRD member Nyumarno, the broader implications demand a comprehensive review of policies and practices. Ensuring that institutions like pesantrens, which shoulder significant social responsibilities without seeking profit, are not unduly burdened by bureaucratic errors or inconsistent tax enforcement is paramount. This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the continuous need for clear communication, inter-agency coordination, and unwavering commitment to supporting the pillars of community and national development. The ongoing efforts to resolve this situation will be closely watched, with hopes that it leads to greater clarity and fairness for all non-profit organizations dedicated to the public good.