[REVISION HISTORY]
Indonesia sanitary pad VAT debate
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2026-11-03 10:02 UTC → 2026-11-04 02:28 UTC ·
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Public policy experts and experts, consumer advocacy groups groups, and legislators in Indonesia are calling for the removal of the 11 percent Value Added Tax (VAT) on sanitary pads. Experts argue that because demand for these products is inelastic due to biological necessity, the current tax fails to reflect fiscal justice and imposes a disproportionate social burden. The Indonesian Consumers Foundation (YLKI) has characterized the policy as gender-biased and unfair, stating that sanitary pads should be classified as exempt essential goods rather than taxable items. goods. YLKI representative Andjani Widy stated that sanitary pads are a “biological necessity rather than luxury items.” Citing Consumer Protection Law Number 8 Legislative support for the removal of 1999, the foundation emphasized that tax has grown. Irma Suryani Chaniago of Commission IX of the state and businesses must ensure access to basic needs is safe House of Representatives (DPR RI) and affordable. In response Selly Andriany Gantina of Commission VIII have both urged the government to reconsider the debate, levy, arguing it ignores gender sensitivity and places an undue economic burden on women. They emphasized that menstruation is a non-negotiable biological process rather than a consumer choice. Arifah Fauzi, the Indonesian Minister of Women Empowerment and Child Protection, has stated that sanitary pads are basic necessities rather than luxury goods. Fauzi emphasized consistently supported this view, asserting that access to these products is directly linked to women's vital for health, hygiene, and dignity, noting they should be included in dignity kits during emergencies. dignity. The legal challenge has escalated following the policy's implementation. A citizen, Bernita Matondang, has filed a lawsuit with the Constitutional Court (MK) seeking to have menstrual pads classified as tax-exempt goods under Law Number 7 of 2021 regarding Tax Regulation Harmonization. While the Directorate General of Taxes (DJP) maintains that the levy is a general consumption tax and not a specific tax on menstruation, tax, the issue has triggered continues to trigger social media protests under hashtags such as #SadarDipalak. Critics contend the tax disproportionately impacts students and low-income women.
Versions
- 2026-11-04 02:28 UTC Indonesia sanitary pad VAT debate
- 2026-11-03 10:02 UTC Indonesia sanitary pad VAT debate
- 2026-11-01 16:54 UTC Indonesia sanitary pad VAT debate
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