Golkar’s Galih Kartasasmita Urges Boost in Non-Tax Revenue

Golkar’s Galih Kartasasmita urges boost in non-tax revenue, calling for more innovative strategies to optimize Indonesia’s financial potential. As a member of Commission XI of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Galih emphasizes the need to diversify state income beyond traditional tax sources.

In a recent statement, he cited the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as an example of bold fiscal innovation. The UAE recently began generating non-tax state revenue (PNBP) by legalizing and regulating casino services—an unconventional move aimed at strengthening state coffers.

Taking Inspiration from the UAE’s Strategy

Galih noted that Indonesia possesses comparable strengths to the UAE. “We have abundant natural resources, a fast-growing service sector, and a large domestic market,” he said. These advantages, if managed creatively and responsibly, could significantly increase PNBP.

While Galih did not directly suggest legalizing casinos in Indonesia, his reference to the UAE model indicates a willingness to consider alternative, even unconventional, revenue streams. According to him, the goal is to optimize existing sectors and explore new opportunities—within the bounds of national values and legal frameworks.

Toward a More Sustainable Revenue Model

The call to improve non-tax state revenue reflects a broader discussion within government circles. As the state budget faces pressure from global economic shifts and declining tax ratios, policymakers are seeking ways to make the economy more resilient. This includes enhancing revenue from state-owned assets, services, and other legal non-tax channels.

Galih’s remarks contribute to a growing national conversation: how can Indonesia balance innovation and regulation to support long-term fiscal health?