The Jepara Regency Government, through the Regional Financial and Asset Management Agency (BPKAD), is preparing strategic steps to discipline event organizers (event organizer or EOs) who neglect to pay the Certain Goods and Services Tax (PBJT) in the entertainment sector. This step was taken in response to outstanding tax arrears from several music concerts held in the region.
Public policy observer, Djoko TP, emphasized the importance of changing BPKAD's role. It is suggested that the agency should not only act as a passive tax collector, but also as a tax compliance manager (tax compliance manager). BPKAD needs to be equipped with strong regional regulations to compile a database of promoters, audit transactions post-event, and supervise electronic ticket sales from the planning stage.
To support information transparency, the Jepara Regency Government is encouraged to build an Integrated Event Information System accessible to the public. This digital platform will present comprehensive information, including the legality profiles of promoters, audience capacity, licensing status, and the history of PBJT payments. This transparency is expected to facilitate direct monitoring by the public.
In addition, administrative sanction mechanisms in the form of a tiered warning system must be consistently implemented. Promoters on the watch list will face stricter licensing verification processes, and even the suspension of permits for future events if they still owe taxes. Conversely, compliant promoters will be placed on an appreciation list (compliance list) to receive ease of service.
To minimize the risk of default, the local government also plans to implement an escrow account (escrow account) system. Through this system, the portion of the entertainment tax deducted directly from ticket sales will be automatically separated. This supervision effort is also reinforced by the formation of a cross-sectoral Integrated Team and the drafting of a Regent's Regulation as a legal framework for a clean and accountable entertainment industry governance.
