Singkawang – The celebration of the anniversary of the Indonesian Public Tax Consultants Association (AKP2I) felt complete and meaningful because it was attended by the Mayor of Singkawang, Tjhai Chui Mie, and the Deputy Mayor of Singkawang, Muhammadin, at the Horison Ultima Singkawang Hotel. 

In his speech, Singkawang Mayor Tjhai Chui Mie expressed his appreciation and said it was an honor for Singkawang to be chosen as the host city for the National Working Meeting and the 10th anniversary celebration of AKP2I. 

"For us, the role of tax consultants is very important today in calculating, managing, and other matters related to the tax obligations of the community. My greatest hope as a regional head is that there will be no more taxpayers who underpay, are summoned, and are audited," he said on Thursday (11/27).

He added that AKP2I could provide a forum or space to invite taxpayers to receive education so that they know how to calculate, report, and pay taxes correctly. He also believes that there are still many taxpayers who are compliant but do not understand taxes. 

"I think opening up space by synergizing with tax consultants is a good step. Where we have a place and are ready to participate in creating a question and answer space involving taxpayers and tax consultants. With the work program from the Regional Management (PD) and Branch Management (PC) of AKP2I, perhaps every 3 months there can be hearings or socialization with taxpayers, and the Singkawang City Government can be the mediator," he added. 

Meanwhile, Singkawang Deputy Mayor Muhammadin also said that tax consultants play an important role in boosting local tax revenue.

"The presence of tax consultants in the Singkawang City Government area can provide literacy and education regarding the importance of taxes in life. Because when the community understands taxes, it is hoped that taxpayers will comply with taxes, which will lead to increased state and regional revenue," he said.

Responding to this, AKP2I Chairman Suherman Saleh explained that the presence of the two regional leaders symbolized the government's support for efforts to strengthen the capacity of tax consultants in providing professional services to taxpayers. 

"We hope this meeting can be the beginning of good synergy between the Singkawang City Government and tax consultants under AKP2I in helping to increase state revenue," he explained.

Not only that, but the Chairman of AKP2I PD Kalbar, Arief Sapta Wendrianto, also said that in the future, they will collaborate with the Singkawang City Government in the form of socialization, hearings, and others. 

"We also feel compelled to help the Singkawang City Government to raise tax awareness. Therefore, I plan, if possible, to hold a hearing with taxpayers in December to report their tax returns before January," he said.

Meanwhile, the 10th anniversary celebration of AKP2I also included a joint prayer and cutting of a tumpeng as a form of gratitude and hope for a better future.