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Rieke Diah Pitaloka Outraged After Bekasi Boarding School Receives Property Tax Bill, Calls Out Finance Minister

by Basiran
written by Basiran

The intersection of taxation policy and religious educational institutions in Indonesia became a focal point of intense public discussion following a viral incident involving high-ranking government officials and local community leaders. Rieke Diah Pitaloka, a member of Commission VI of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) representing the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), expressed profound indignation upon discovering that a local Islamic boarding school, or pesantren, founded by the late Kiai Yasin, was subjected to billing for the Land and Building Tax (Pajak Bumi dan Bangunan or PBB). The incident unfolded at Pesantren Al-Fath Jalen, located in Tambun Utara, Bekasi Regency, West Java.

The event quickly captured national attention after Rieke documented her visit to the institution and shared the footage on her official Instagram account, @riekediahp, under the digital campaign banner of Viral for Justice and the hashtag #SavePesantrenIndonesia. In the video, which circulated widely across various social media platforms, the lawmaker raised her voice in direct appeal to Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa, questioning the rationale behind imposing municipal property taxes on a non-profit religious and educational sanctuary that serves the local community.

Chronology of Events and the Origin of the Tax Dispute

The controversy surrounding Pesantren Al-Fath Jalen stems from a long-standing misunderstanding regarding administrative procedures, legal exemptions, and communication between local government tax agencies and religious institutions. According to Naili, an administrator at Pesantren Al-Fath, the institution’s journey with land administration began around 2010 when the management approached the local Office of Religious Affairs (KUA) to secure official waqf (endowment) land certificates.

During the initial processing phase, administrators were informed that the procedures were both lengthy and costly. However, representatives from the KUA reportedly assured the school management that because it was a registered religious and educational institution, the property would be permanently exempted from the Land and Building Tax (PBB). Given their status as laypeople unfamiliar with complex municipal tax codes, the pesantren administrators relied on this guidance and proceeded without seeking further formal tax clearances from local revenue offices.

For over a decade, the institution operated without major administrative hurdles regarding taxation. However, the situation shifted dramatically in 2024 when the management began receiving formal tax payment notices from the regional revenue office. The pressure escalated significantly in early 2025 when the administration was confronted with threats of formal asset seizure, including the potential application of police lines around the school premises due to accumulated unpaid taxes. Naili recounted that the mounting pressure severely distressed the founder, the late Kiai Yasin, who passed away shortly after the threats of legal action were communicated to the school.

Legal Framework Governing Tax Exemptions for Educational and Religious Institutions

The core argument presented by Rieke Diah Pitaloka and local officials rests on established legal provisions concerning tax exemptions for public interest properties in Indonesia. Rieke explicitly referenced Article 38 of the prevailing regulatory framework concerning the Land and Building Tax. Under this provision, tax obligations do not apply to the ownership, acquisition, or utilization of land and buildings dedicated exclusively to public interests in the fields of religion, social welfare, health, national education, and culture, provided that these properties are not operated for commercial gain or profit generation.

Pesantren Al-Fath Jalen, like thousands of similar traditional Islamic boarding schools across the archipelago, operates as a non-profit foundation. These institutions traditionally rely on donations, community support, and modest contributions to provide lodging, religious instruction, and general education to underprivileged youths.

During her inspection of the premises, Rieke emphasized the vital socio-educational role that pesantrens play in Indonesian society, arguing that they effectively absorb responsibilities that otherwise fall squarely on the state’s shoulders. By providing housing, moral guidance, and education to generations of students, these institutions contribute directly to national human resource development. Consequently, imposing commercial-style property taxes on such establishments contradicts both the letter of the law and the broader social contract between the state and educational pioneers.

Local Government Response and Remedial Actions

The urgency of the situation prompted immediate local legislative intervention. Nyumarno, a member of the Bekasi Regency Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) who accompanied Rieke during the site visit, acknowledged the administrative lapse and confirmed that local municipal regulations explicitly exempt places of worship and non-commercial educational institutions from PBB liabilities.

Nyumarno explained that while the legal mechanisms for tax exemption exist within the regional statutes of Bekasi Regency, the implementation often suffers from bureaucratic disconnects and a lack of proactive outreach. In many cases, tax assessments are generated automatically through systemic updates by local revenue agencies without cross-referencing zoning records or verifying the non-profit status of specific parcels of land. This systemic oversight frequently results in automated billing notices being sent to religious and educational entities that are legally entitled to exemptions.

Addressing the media and the school administrators on-site, Nyumarno committed to providing direct legal and administrative assistance to resolve the status of Pesantren Al-Fath Jalen. He assured the management that local legislative oversight would be utilized to cancel the outstanding tax bills, lift any pending administrative sanctions, and officially register the institution under the permanent tax-exempt database of Bekasi Regency. Furthermore, local authorities pledged to review broader notification protocols to prevent similar incidents from affecting other religious and educational foundations in the region.

Broader Implications for Tax Administration and Public Trust

The incident at Pesantren Al-Fath Jalen highlights broader systemic challenges within Indonesia’s decentralized fiscal administration. Following regional autonomy laws, local governments rely heavily on local taxes, such as the Land and Building Tax (PBB) and Motor Vehicle Tax, to generate regional original revenue (Pendapatan Asli Daerah or PAD). In their efforts to maximize revenue collection targets, regional revenue agencies (Bapenda) occasionally utilize automated data systems that flag idle or under-documented land parcels without conducting thorough preliminary field verifications.

This administrative push for revenue enhancement, when decoupled from rigorous social mapping and inter-agency coordination, risks alienating community stakeholders and undermining public trust in municipal governance. When non-profit religious and educational institutions—which hold immense cultural and social authority in Indonesia—are subjected to aggressive tax collection tactics, it frequently triggers swift public backlashes, as demonstrated by the viral nature of Rieke Diah Pitaloka’s social media intervention.

Experts in public policy note that incidents of this nature underscore the urgent need for enhanced integration between regional tax databases, the Ministry of Religious Affairs registry, and local civil administration records. Ensuring that properties dedicated to waqf, religious worship, and foundational education are systematically flagged at the point of land titling can permanently eliminate the risk of erroneous tax assessments.

As public scrutiny remains focused on the response from the Ministry of Finance and local tax authorities in Bekasi, the case of Pesantren Al-Fath Jalen serves as a cautionary tale regarding bureaucratic oversight. It highlights the necessity of administrative empathy and precision when implementing fiscal policies, ensuring that grassroots institutions dedicated to public education and religious welfare are safeguarded rather than burdened by state taxation mechanisms.

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Politics

Rieke Diah Pitaloka Outraged as Al-Fath Islamic Boarding School Receives Hefty Property Tax Bill Despite Exemption Laws

by Nana
written by Nana

Jakarta — A wave of indignation swept through the political landscape in Indonesia following a viral social media post by Rieke Diah Pitaloka, a member of Commission VI of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P). Pitaloka openly expressed her fury after discovering that Pesantren Al-Fath Jalen, an Islamic boarding school in Tambun Utara, Bekasi Regency, founded by the late Kiai Yasin, was hit with an official demand to pay the Land and Building Tax (Pajak Bumi dan Bangunan, or PBB).

The incident, which quickly gained national traction under the Instagram hashtag #SavePesantrenIndonesia via Pitaloka’s personal channel, highlights a systemic clash between grassroots religious institutions and regional tax collection practices. Pitaloka’s emotional video appeal directly targeted newly appointed high-ranking fiscal officials, bringing to light the bureaucratic pressures placed on non-profit educational and religious sanctuaries.

Background and Context of the Controversy

Pesantren Al-Fath Jalen is a traditional Islamic educational institution that has served the community in Tambun Utara for years. Founded by the late Kiai Yasin, the boarding school operates strictly on a non-commercial basis, providing religious and general education to underprivileged youths and local community members.

In Indonesia, religious and educational institutions have historically occupied a protected status regarding state taxation. The foundational rationale is that these institutions perform public services—such as education, moral guidance, and social welfare—that technically fall under the purview of the state. By shouldering these responsibilities, religious boarding schools (pesantren) alleviate significant financial and operational burdens from the central and local governments.

However, decentralized regional autonomy has occasionally created friction between local revenue collection agencies (Badan Pendapatan Daerah, or Bapenda) and traditional institutions. Local governments face stringent targets to increase Locally Generated Revenue (Pendapatan Asli Daerah, or PAD). In their pursuit of these fiscal metrics, regional tax offices sometimes issue automated or generalized property tax assessments without thoroughly vetting the legal status or historical exemptions of specific parcels of land.

The Chronology of Events

The troubling sequence of events leading to Pitaloka’s public outcry began over a decade ago and culminated in a distressing ordeal for the school’s current administrators.

According to Naili, a key administrator at Pesantren Al-Fath, the institution’s administrative journey with land documentation began around 2010. Seeking to secure legal permanence for the property, the school management approached the local Office of Religious Affairs (KUA) to process a waqf (religious endowment) land certificate.

At the time, the process was described by administrators as lengthy and financially burdensome. However, assurances were given by local KUA officials that, as a registered Islamic boarding school, the property was legally exempt from the Land and Building Tax (PBB). Operating with limited legal literacy and placing trust in the verbal guidance of state religious representatives, the management did not pursue further independent tax registrations, assuming the property was entirely safeguarded under the law.

For years, this understanding held true, and the school continued its educational mission undisturbed. The situation shifted dramatically, however, in 2024, when the institution began receiving unexpected formal tax billing notices from the regional revenue authorities.

The pressure escalated sharply into 2025. Administrators were reportedly hit with formal warnings threatening extreme enforcement measures, including the installation of police lines on the school premises if the outstanding tax liabilities were not settled immediately. The psychological toll on the aging founder and the management team was severe. Naili recounted to Pitaloka that the stress of the impending enforcement actions deeply affected the late Kiai Yasin during his final days, coinciding with a period of declining health that ultimately led to his passing.

Legislative Arguments and Legal Framework

During her on-site visit to Pesantren Al-Fath, Rieke Diah Pitaloka did not mince words. Standing on the school grounds, she addressed the situation not merely as an administrative oversight, but as an affront to justice. In her viral video message, she directly called upon prominent fiscal leadership, shouting, “Suddenly people come from the Regional Revenue Agency collecting taxes. Kang Purbaya, please, Kang Purbaya.”

Pitaloka underscored that the foundation running the institution operates entirely on a philanthropic, non-profit basis. She forcefully argued that targeting such facilities contradicts the established legal framework governing property taxation in Indonesia.

To substantiate her claims, Pitaloka cited specific legal protections, referencing Article 38 of the prevailing regulations concerning the Land and Building Tax. The statute explicitly dictates that PBB obligations do not apply to the ownership, control, or utilization of land and buildings used exclusively for public interest purposes encompassing religion, social welfare, health, national education, and culture, provided that these activities are not commercial or profit-driven.

“The pesantren has essentially taken over the responsibilities of the state. Things like this certainly should not happen,” Pitaloka declared, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship that ought to exist between public governance and religious education infrastructure.

Local Government and Political Reactions

The fallout from the viral video prompted immediate responses from local legislative representatives. Nyumarno, a member of the Bekasi Regency Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), rushed to the scene to assess the situation alongside Pitaloka and provide clarity on local regulatory mechanics.

Nyumarno corroborated the school administrators’ position, affirming that regional bylaws in Bekasi Regency explicitly protect places of worship and non-commercial educational facilities from property tax liabilities.

“In Bekasi Regency, there are indeed established regulations stating that places of worship or non-commercial Islamic boarding schools can apply for a full exemption from paying PBB,” Nyumarno stated during the dialogue.

However, Nyumarno acknowledged a persistent structural disconnect in bureaucratic execution. He noted that in practical implementation, administrative notices and tax bills are frequently generated and dispatched automatically without adequate field verification or prior social outreach. This systemic flaw often results in historical or exempt institutions suddenly receiving intimidating collection letters.

Addressing the immediate crisis at Pesantren Al-Fath, Nyumarno offered a firm commitment to intervene directly on behalf of the institution. He assured the school’s leadership that he would personally accompany them through the bureaucratic channels required to nullify the outstanding tax bills and secure formal, permanent tax-exempt status.

Broader Implications and Systemic Issues

The incident at Pesantren Al-Fath Jalen serves as a microcosm of wider administrative challenges facing thousands of traditional educational institutions across the Indonesian archipelago. While national laws and regional bylaws provide clear exemptions for religious and educational entities, the decentralization of tax administration has created vulnerabilities.

Regional governments are under continuous pressure to maximize local revenue streams to fund regional development. Consequently, local tax offices often utilize digital mapping and broad property assessment databases that register all land parcels within a given zone without cross-referencing ministerial registries of religious endowments or educational foundations.

For many traditional boarding schools, which are often established on family-donated land and managed by generations of clerics with limited administrative sophistication, navigating modern bureaucratic tax systems presents a formidable barrier. When faced with official documents bearing legal threats, such as potential asset seizures or police lines, administrators—frequently unfamiliar with dispute resolution mechanisms—experience profound distress.

Furthermore, the involvement of high-profile national legislators like Rieke Diah Pitaloka and local parliamentarians highlights how social media has transformed grievance redressal in Indonesia. Grassroots complaints that might have previously lingered in bureaucratic limbo for months can now be amplified instantly, compelling swift political intervention and institutional accountability.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The public outcry surrounding Pesantren Al-Fath Jalen has placed local tax authorities under intense scrutiny, forcing a re-evaluation of how regional revenue collection agencies interact with protected non-profit entities. While the immediate outcome for Pesantren Al-Fath appears promising—backed by the direct intervention of regional legislators committed to rectifying the billing error—the broader systemic issue remains unresolved.

Experts and policymakers suggest that preventing recurrence requires tighter institutional coordination between the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the National Land Agency (BPN), and regional revenue boards. Establishing an integrated, automated database of tax-exempt religious and educational assets could preemptively eliminate erroneous billings, sparing vulnerable institutions from administrative intimidation and ensuring that the foundational spaces of community education and spiritual guidance are rigorously safeguarded by the state they serve.

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Politics

Rieke Diah Pitaloka Outraged as Late Kiai Yasin’s Pesantren Receives Shocking Property Tax Bill, Calls Out Finance Minister

by Reynand Wu
written by Reynand Wu

Jakarta — A wave of indignation has rippled across Indonesia following a public outcry led by Rieke Diah Pitaloka, a member of Commission VI of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) representing the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P). Pitaloka expressed profound anger and disbelief after discovering that Pesantren Al-Fath Jalen, an Islamic boarding school founded by the late Kiai Yasin in Tambun Utara, Bekasi Regency, was slapped with continuous property tax bills under the Pajak Bumi dan Bangunan (PBB) framework.

The controversy erupted after Pitaloka uploaded a video to her personal Instagram account under the handle @riekediahp, utilizing the digital campaign channel Viral for Justice alongside the hashtag #SavePesantrenIndonesia. In the widely circulated footage, the lawmaker can be seen visibly emotional, raising her voice to directly address Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa.

The incident has since ignited a broader national debate regarding the taxation of non-profit religious and educational institutions in Indonesia, drawing scrutiny toward local tax collection practices, regulatory oversights, and the fundamental social responsibilities of the state toward educational entities that operate for the public good.

Chronology of Events: From Trust to Threat of Police Line

The plight of Pesantren Al-Fath Jalen spans over a decade, reflecting a complex intersection of administrative misunderstandings and aggressive local revenue collection efforts. According to Naili, a representative and administrator of the pesantren, the institution’s journey with administrative documentation began around 2010. At the time, administrators approached the local Office of Religious Affairs (KUA) to secure a formal waqf (endowment) certificate for the property.

Naili recalled that the formalization process was notoriously lengthy and financially burdensome for the small community. During these proceedings, representatives from the KUA informed the school’s administrators that educational institutions operating as Islamic boarding schools were legally exempt from paying property taxes such as PBB. Because the leadership and staff were laypersons unfamiliar with complex tax statutes, they trusted the guidance provided by the religious affairs officials and proceeded without seeking further formal tax exemptions.

For over a decade, this understanding held true, and the pesantren operated peacefully, focusing entirely on community education and religious instruction. However, the situation deteriorated drastically in 2024 when the institution began receiving unexpected official property tax demand letters from the local regional revenue agency (Bapenda).

The administrative pressure culminated in early 2025, when administrators received a notice stating that the pesantren property faced the severe threat of being cordoned off with police lines due to accumulated unpaid taxes. For the aging leadership and the administration, the threat was devastating. Naili recounted that the stress of the impending enforcement action deeply impacted the late founder, Kiai Yasin, who passed away shortly after the shocking notice was issued.

Legislative Framework and Legal Exemptions

During her on-site visit to the Bekasi boarding school, Rieke Diah Pitaloka strongly criticized the actions of the regional revenue officers, characterizing the tax collection as a violation of existing legal frameworks. She emphasized that non-profit educational and religious foundations are explicitly protected under Indonesian tax regulations.

Pitaloka explicitly cited Article 38 of the prevailing regulations governing the Land and Building Tax (PBB). The statute clearly dictates that PBB objects do not apply to land and buildings owned or utilized exclusively for public interests in the fields of religion, social welfare, health, national education, and culture, provided that such use is strictly non-commercial and generates no profit.

“The foundation managed by my late brother does not seek profit. How dare they demand taxes? We will resolve this according to customary law standards,” Pitaloka stated firmly during her inspection. She further underscored the vital societal role played by traditional boarding schools, asserting that Islamic boarding schools effectively substitute for the state by providing education and moral guidance to underprivileged segments of society. “The pesantren has effectively taken over the responsibility of the state. Things like this certainly should not happen,” she added.

Local legislative representation was also present to address the grievance. Nyumarno, a member of the Bekasi Regency Regional House of Representatives (D DPRD), acknowledged the administrative failure and confirmed that local ordinances explicitly exempt non-commercial religious and educational institutions from property taxation.

“In Bekasi Regency, there are indeed established regulations stipulating that places of worship or non-commercial Islamic boarding schools can apply for a complete exemption from PBB payments,” Nyumarno explained during the site visit. However, he conceded that systemic flaws exist in the implementation phase. “In practice, tax bills sometimes arrive without prior socialization or administrative verification. For Pesantren Al-Fath, I will personally oversee the case to ensure that the property tax is permanently waived.”

Broader Implications for Islamic Boarding Schools in Indonesia

The incident at Pesantren Al-Fath Jalen is not an isolated case but rather symptomatic of a broader systemic friction between aggressive local revenue mobilization targets and the traditional social institutions of Indonesia. Islamic boarding schools, or pesantren, hold a foundational position in the nation’s educational landscape, predating modern state structures and serving millions of students, particularly in rural and semi-urban communities.

Under decentralized governance structures, local governments across Indonesia hold the authority to collect local taxes, including PBB, to finance regional development budgets. However, pressure on regional revenue agencies (Bapenda) to meet aggressive local tax collection targets has occasionally led to indiscriminate data-matching exercises. Automated tax generation systems frequently flag registered land parcels without properly cross-referencing institutional profiles, leading to erroneous billing of tax-exempt entities such as waqf lands, mosques, and traditional schools.

Experts and civil society organizations have frequently pointed out that administrative hurdles in processing formal tax exemptions often leave grassroots religious institutions vulnerable. While national laws grant sweeping exemptions for public-interest properties, the bureaucratic burden of applying for and maintaining these exemptions falls heavily on institutions with limited administrative capacity.

The public reaction to Pitaloka’s intervention highlights the deep emotional and cultural reverence accorded to pesantrens within Indonesian society. For millions, these institutions represent centers of spiritual integrity and community resilience. Consequently, bureaucratic attempts to exact property taxes from such entities are viewed not merely as administrative errors, but as institutional insensitivity.

Institutional Response and Path Forward

As the case of Pesantren Al-Fath Jalen gains national traction, attention has turned toward the Ministry of Finance and regional authorities to implement corrective safeguards. The direct appeal made by a senior legislator to Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa places pressure on central authorities to issue clearer guidelines and inter-agency coordination protocols between the Directorate General of Taxes, regional revenue offices, and the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

Local political actors in Bekasi have committed to resolving the immediate crisis facing the Al-Fath foundation through administrative remediation and formal exemption filings. Nevertheless, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for systemic administrative reform to protect educational and religious institutions from unwarranted financial burdens, ensuring that the historical sanctuary provided by pesantrens remains preserved for future generations.

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Politics

Rieke Diah Pitaloka Outraged After Bekasi Boarding School Receives Property Tax Bill, Urges Action from Finance Minister

by Asep Darmawan
written by Asep Darmawan

The intersection of taxation policies and non-profit educational institutions in Indonesia has once again drawn intense public scrutiny following a recent incident in West Java. Rieke Diah Pitaloka, a member of Commission VI of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) representing the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), expressed deep indignation upon discovering that a local Islamic boarding school, or pesantren, was subjected to a formal Property Tax (Pajak Bumi dan Bangunan or PBB) assessment. The institution in question, Pesantren Al-Fath Jalen, located in Tambun Utara, Bekasi Regency, was founded by the late Kiai Yasin and operates strictly as a non-commercial religious and educational sanctuary.

The controversy erupted after Rieke published a video on her official Instagram account under the handle @riekediahp, utilizing the hashtag #SavePesantrenIndonesia and featuring it within her "Viral for Justice" series. In the recording, which quickly garnered widespread attention across digital platforms, a visibly emotional Rieke directly appealed to Minister of Finance Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa. The lawmaker questioned the legitimacy of the local revenue agency’s actions, emphasizing that taxing an institution dedicated to public education and religious instruction violates both the spirit and the letter of prevailing Indonesian tax laws.

Main Facts of the Case

Pesantren Al-Fath Jalen, an educational establishment that has served the local community for years, found itself targeted by regional tax collectors for property tax payments. According to testimonies gathered on the ground, representatives from the local Regional Revenue Agency (Badan Pendapatan Daerah or Bapenda) approached the foundation demanding payment. The escalation reached a critical juncture when administrators were reportedly threatened with legal enforcement measures, including the installation of police lines on the premises, due to accumulated tax arrears.

Rieke, during her direct field inspection of the pesantren, firmly rebuked the imposition of the tax. She highlighted that the foundation functions entirely on a non-profit basis, serving the underprivileged and providing religious and moral guidance to the youth. Stressing the humanitarian and educational contributions of such institutions, the legislator argued that pesantrens effectively shoulder responsibilities that inherently belong to the state, such as mass education and moral cultivation. Therefore, penalizing them with property taxes is not only legally questionable but morally indefensible.

Legal Framework and Tax Exemptions for Educational Institutions

To substantiate her arguments, Rieke cited specific regulatory frameworks governing property taxation in Indonesia. Under Article 38 of the prevailing regulations concerning the Property Tax (PBB), explicit exemptions are granted to land and buildings utilized exclusively for public interest purposes. These domains encompass religious activities, social welfare, healthcare, national education, and cultural preservation, provided that the entities operating them are strictly non-commercial and do not generate private financial returns.

Legal experts and regional officials have repeatedly affirmed that religious and educational properties held under waqf (Islamic endowment) status enjoy protected legal standing. The fundamental philosophy behind these exemptions recognizes that religious boarding schools and traditional madrasas operate as public goods. They alleviate the state’s financial burden by providing schooling, board, and lodging for thousands of children from low-income families who might otherwise lack access to formal education.

Chronology of Events at Pesantren Al-Fath Jalen

The plight of Pesantren Al-Fath Jalen did not happen overnight; it represents a cumulative breakdown in administrative communication and public service outreach. The timeline of the institution’s ordeal dates back over a decade and highlights systemic vulnerabilities faced by traditional religious institutions in bureaucratic procedures.

The genesis of the administrative confusion occurred around 2010. At that time, the caretakers of the pesantren visited the local Office of Religious Affairs (Kantor Urusan Agama or KUA) to process the formal land waqf certification. Naili, a key administrator and representative of the pesantren, recounted that the formalization process was notoriously lengthy and financially burdensome for a modest community institution. During these interactions, local KUA officials verbally assured the administrators that recognized pesantrens were legally exempt from paying property taxes.

Relying on the verbal assurances of state representatives, the management, operating with limited legal literacy and administrative resources, assumed their tax obligations were fully resolved. For years, this understanding remained unchallenged, allowing the pesantren to focus entirely on its educational mission without the shadow of fiscal liabilities.

However, the situation deteriorated drastically in 2024. Without prior formal socialisation or adequate administrative warnings, the pesantren began receiving official tax collection notices from regional revenue authorities. The psychological and emotional toll on the aging caretakers and administrators was severe. The situation escalated to an alarming degree in early 2025 when administrators received notification that the property faced potential sealing through the installation of police lines over unpaid tax assessments. Naili recounted the profound distress this caused the late founder, Kiai Yasin, who passed away shortly after the stress of the impending enforcement action took a heavy toll on his health.

Local Government and Legislative Intervention

In response to the mounting public outrage and viral dissemination of the video, local legislative representatives stepped forward to address the administrative oversight. Nyumarno, a member of the Bekasi Regency Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), who accompanied Rieke during her visit to the pesantren, provided crucial institutional context regarding regional tax policies.

Nyumarno confirmed that the regulatory framework in Bekasi Regency already explicitly accommodates exemptions for places of worship and non-commercial educational institutions. Local bylaws clearly stipulate that property tax exemptions can be formally requested and granted to religious boarding schools that meet non-commercial criteria.

Nevertheless, Nyumarno acknowledged that systemic implementation failures often plague these policies. He pointed out that tax assessment notices are frequently generated through automated administrative databases without cross-referencing land status or conducting prior field evaluations to verify the nature of the occupants. Consequently, notices are sent out without proper contextual socialisation, catching religious leaders and community guardians off guard.

To rectify the situation at Pesantren Al-Fath Jalen, Nyumarno committed to providing direct legal and administrative assistance. He pledged to personally accompany the pesantren’s management through the formal bureaucratic channels required to annul the tax assessment, clear the record, and secure permanent exemption status in accordance with regional regulations.

Broader Implications and Systemic Challenges

The incident involving Pesantren Al-Fath Jalen serves as a micro-cosm of broader systemic challenges facing thousands of traditional educational institutions across the Indonesian archipelago. While national and regional laws provide clear tax exemptions for non-profit educational and religious facilities, the bureaucratic mechanisms governing property tax administration frequently fail to integrate seamlessly with the realities of community-managed institutions.

Many pesantrens, particularly those located in rural or semi-urban peripheries, rely heavily on historical land endowments and verbal agreements made generations ago. The transition toward modern digital tax mapping by regional governments has occasionally resulted in blanket assessments that fail to distinguish between commercial enterprises and non-profit public goods. When regional revenue offices aggressively pursue fiscal targets without proper inter-agency coordination with bodies like the Ministry of Religious Affairs or local KUA offices, vulnerable community pillars are unjustly penalized.

Furthermore, the emotional reaction of lawmakers and the swift public mobilization on social media underscore the deep cultural reverence accorded to pesantrens within Indonesian society. These institutions are widely viewed not merely as schools, but as ancestral guardians of spiritual morality, communal solidarity, and national independence history. Consequently, any heavy-handed bureaucratic intervention perceived as threatening their existence triggers immediate public backlash and political intervention.

Analysis of the Policy Response and Recommendations

The public intervention by Rieke Diah Pitaloka and the responsive stance of local legislators highlight the necessity of systemic administrative reforms. Observers and governance experts suggest several key measures to prevent similar incidents from recurring nationwide:

  1. Inter-Agency Data Integration: Regional revenue agencies (Bapenda) must establish robust data-sharing mechanisms with the Ministry of Religious Affairs and local KUA offices. Verifying land and building status prior to issuing tax assessments can prevent erroneous billing of waqf properties and recognized educational institutions.

  2. Mandatory Field Verification: Automated tax assessment systems must incorporate mandatory human oversight and field verification protocols before initiating punitive collection measures or legal threats against social and religious properties.

  3. Proactive Socialisation Programs: Local governments should proactively engage with traditional boarding schools to assist them in regularizing their administrative status, ensuring that administrators with limited legal literacy are fully aware of exemption procedures without needing political intervention to secure their rights.

  4. Clear Recourse Channels: Establishing streamlined, accessible administrative desks within regional governments specifically dedicated to resolving tax disputes for non-profit and religious entities can drastically reduce bureaucratic friction and emotional distress for community leaders.

As the case of Pesantren Al-Fath Jalen moves toward administrative resolution through the promised accompaniment of regional legislators, the incident remains a stark reminder of the delicate balance required between regional fiscal optimization and the protection of foundational public welfare institutions in Indonesia.

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DPRD Kota Bogor Receives Ministry of Law Award for Excellence in Legislative Harmonization Processes

by Lina Irawan
written by Lina Irawan

The Bogor City Regional House of Representatives (DPRD Kota Bogor) has been formally recognized by the Indonesian Ministry of Law for its exemplary commitment to the legislative harmonization process. This prestigious accolade was bestowed upon the legislative body during the commemoration of the 81st Anniversary of the Ministry of Law, known as Hari Pengayoman, held on August 19, 2026. The award serves as a testament to the local legislature’s proactive stance in ensuring that draft regional regulations (Raperda) are meticulously aligned with national legal frameworks, constitutional mandates, and the overarching interests of the local populace.

The Significance of Legislative Harmonization

In the Indonesian legal hierarchy, the harmonization of regional regulations is a critical stage in the legislative drafting process. It serves as a quality control mechanism designed to prevent legal conflicts, redundancies, or contradictions between regional policies and higher-tier national laws. By subjecting every draft regulation to a rigorous harmonization process, the DPRD Kota Bogor has demonstrated a dedication to legal certainty and administrative efficiency.

The Ministry of Law, through its regional offices, mandates this process to ensure that local ordinances do not infringe upon human rights, hinder national investment, or violate established procedural norms. Receiving an award in this category highlights the ability of the Bogor City DPRD to navigate complex legal landscapes while maintaining a collaborative relationship with the central government. This synergy is essential for creating a conducive environment for local governance, ensuring that every piece of legislation passed is not only legally sound but also enforceable and impactful.

Commemoration of the 81st Hari Pengayoman

The Hari Pengayoman, or the Day of Protection and Law, is a milestone event for the Indonesian Ministry of Law, marking its long-standing history of safeguarding justice and administrative integrity. The 2026 ceremony, held on August 19, brought together various stakeholders from the judiciary, law enforcement, and local government sectors.

For the DPRD Kota Bogor, the receipt of the award during this high-profile event underscores the national recognition of their legislative output. The ceremony served as a platform for the Ministry to evaluate the progress of regional legal reforms over the past year. The selection of the Bogor City DPRD for this honor suggests that the legislative body has successfully met stringent benchmarks, including the timeliness of submissions, the quality of legal drafting, and the depth of collaboration with legal experts and provincial ministry representatives.

Leadership Perspective: Commitment to Legislative Quality

Adityawarman Adil, the Chairman of the DPRD Kota Bogor, expressed deep appreciation for the recognition, viewing it as both a validation of past efforts and a catalyst for future performance. In his remarks following the ceremony, Adil emphasized that the award is not merely a symbolic trophy but a mandate to maintain high standards of governance.

"Alhamdulillah, on this 81st anniversary of the Ministry of Law, the DPRD Kota Bogor has been honored for our contributions to the legal framework," said Adil. "This recognition acts as a significant motivator for our team. It encourages us to remain diligent in our primary functions, specifically in the drafting and deliberation of regional regulations that directly affect the lives of the citizens of Bogor."

Adil further noted that the legislative process is inherently collaborative. He acknowledged that the success of the DPRD is inextricably linked to the support of administrative staff, legal analysts, and the various civil society groups that provide feedback during public hearings. By fostering an environment of transparency, the DPRD has managed to reduce the "legal friction" that often delays the implementation of essential public policy.

Contextualizing the Legislative Process in Bogor

The role of the DPRD in a city like Bogor—which serves as a major satellite to the capital, Jakarta, and a hub for tourism and education—is exceptionally demanding. Rapid urban development necessitates a dynamic regulatory framework. Consequently, the DPRD Kota Bogor has been tasked with drafting regulations ranging from spatial planning and environmental protection to economic development and public health.

The process of "harmonization" generally involves several key steps:

  1. Initiation: Drafting the academic paper (Naskah Akademik) to justify the need for a new regulation.
  2. Review: The draft is submitted to the Ministry of Law and Human Rights’ regional office for a legal compatibility check.
  3. Harmonization: A series of meetings between legislative drafters and ministry officials to resolve potential conflicts with existing laws.
  4. Deliberation: The finalized draft is brought before the DPRD plenary session for political debate.
  5. Ratification: Once passed, the regulation is registered and promulgated.

The award from the Ministry of Law indicates that the DPRD Kota Bogor has consistently expedited these steps without sacrificing the quality of the legal product. This efficiency is crucial for the city’s economic growth, as business actors and investors often rely on clear, stable, and legally sound local regulations to make long-term decisions.

Implications for Local Governance and Future Prospects

The recognition of the DPRD Kota Bogor carries significant implications for regional governance. Firstly, it positions the council as a benchmark for other local legislative bodies across Indonesia. In an era where local autonomy is frequently challenged by legal inconsistencies, the success of Bogor’s legislative process serves as a replicable model.

Secondly, the award highlights the growing importance of "evidence-based policy." By prioritizing harmonization, the DPRD is signaling that it relies more on legal expertise and constitutional compliance than on purely political maneuvering. This approach effectively minimizes the risk of judicial review or annulment by the central government, which often occurs when regional regulations are found to be unconstitutional.

Looking forward, the DPRD Kota Bogor faces the challenge of sustaining this level of excellence. As the complexity of urban management increases, the legislative body will need to invest further in human capital development, particularly in training staff on the nuances of legal drafting software and digital legislative tools.

Strengthening Public Trust

The legislative body’s success in this area also plays a vital role in public perception. Citizens often view the legislative process as opaque or slow. However, by adhering to high standards of legal drafting and showing responsiveness to national legal requirements, the DPRD is actively working to modernize its image.

Adityawarman Adil emphasized that the ultimate goal of these regulations is to improve public welfare. Whether it is through social safety nets, environmental management, or trade facilitation, every regulation passed by the DPRD is a tool for public service. By ensuring these tools are legally sharp and precise, the legislature provides the executive branch with the necessary authority to execute public projects without fear of legal ambiguity.

Conclusion

The awarding of the Ministry of Law’s recognition to the DPRD Kota Bogor marks a milestone in the city’s administrative history. It underscores the vital importance of the "back-end" work of legislation—the harmonization process—which is often invisible to the public but critical to the functioning of a modern democracy.

As the DPRD Kota Bogor moves forward, the pressure to maintain this standard will undoubtedly increase. However, with the current leadership’s focus on motivation, inter-agency collaboration, and a commitment to responsive law-making, the city is well-positioned to continue producing high-quality regulations. This achievement stands as a reminder that local governance is not merely about political discourse but about the rigorous, detailed, and essential work of creating a legal framework that supports a sustainable and prosperous society. The people of Bogor benefit directly from this legislative diligence, as it creates the bedrock upon which the city’s future development is built.

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Politics

Rieke Diah Pitaloka Outraged as Al-Fath Islamic Boarding School Receives Property Tax Bill Despite Exemption Rules

by Asep Darmawan
written by Asep Darmawan

The intersection of state taxation policy and religious educational institutions in Indonesia has once again drawn intense public scrutiny following a recent incident in Bekasi, West Java. Rieke Diah Pitaloka, a member of Commission VI of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) representing the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), expressed deep indignation upon discovering that a local Islamic boarding school, or pesantren, was being pursued for substantial arrears on its Land and Building Tax (Pajak Bumi dan Bangunan, or PBB). The institution in question, Pesantren Al-Fath Jalen, located in Tambun Utara, Bekasi Regency, was established by the late Kiai Yasin and has long served the local community as a non-commercial hub for religious and educational development.

The controversy erupted into the public sphere after Rieke published a video on her verified Instagram account under the handle @riekediahp, utilizing the digital campaign channel Viral for Justice with the hashtag #SavePesantrenIndonesia. In the video, which quickly circulated across various social media platforms, the prominent legislator could be seen demanding the immediate attention of the Minister of Finance, Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa. Rieke argued that the imposition of property taxes on a non-profit religious and educational sanctuary directly violates existing statutory regulations and undermines the foundational social contributions that such institutions provide to the republic.

Chronology of the Dispute at Pesantren Al-Fath

The administrative conflict surrounding Pesantren Al-Fath Jalen dates back well over a decade, rooted in a combination of administrative miscommunication, public misunderstanding, and shifting local governance practices. According to Naili, a key administrator at the boarding school who recounted the history of the property to Rieke during her visit, the school’s leadership had maintained a long-standing belief that the institution was entirely exempt from property taxes.

This belief originated around 2010, when representatives of the pesantren visited the local Office of Religious Affairs (KUA) to process the formal land waqf (endowment) certificates for the property. At the time, administrators were informed by local KUA officials that educational and religious institutions operating as waqf lands were legally exempted from PBB obligations. Given the complexity and high cost associated with bureaucratic land administration at the time, and relying on the guidance provided by state religious officials, the school’s founders trusted the verbal assurance and treated the property as tax-exempt.

For nearly a decade and a half, the pesantren operated under this assumption, dedicating its limited financial resources entirely to student instruction, community outreach, and the maintenance of religious facilities. However, the operational landscape shifted dramatically in 2024. The foundation began receiving formal tax collection notices from the local regional revenue authorities. The situation escalated rapidly in early 2025, when administrators were reportedly threatened with a police line on the property due to accumulated unpaid taxes—an alarming prospect for a religious institution. Naili noted that the escalating administrative pressure deeply distressed the late Kiai Yasin, who passed away not long after the threats of asset seizure were communicated to the school.

Legal Framework and Statutory Tax Exemptions

The core of the controversy centers on the legal protection afforded to non-profit public-interest facilities under Indonesian tax law. During her site visit, Rieke Diah Pitaloka explicitly referenced statutory provisions governing the collection of the Land and Building Tax, pointing specifically to regulatory frameworks that safeguard public-interest spaces.

Under national guidelines, including regulations pertaining to regional taxes and retributions, objects utilized solely for public interest purposes in the fields of religion, social welfare, health, education, and national culture are legally exempt from PBB, provided that the underlying land and structures are not operated with the intent to generate commercial profit. Rieke emphasized that Pesantren Al-Fath, like thousands of similar institutions across the Indonesian archipelago, functions as an extension of social welfare and educational safety nets that the state would otherwise be financially obligated to provide.

"The pesantren has essentially taken over the responsibility of the state in educating the public. Things like this certainly should not happen," Rieke stated firmly during her inspection of the Bekasi facility. She added that the foundation does not operate as a commercial enterprise and characterized the aggressive pursuit of tax arrears by regional revenue officers as legally baseless and culturally insensitive.

Local Governance and Institutional Oversight

Addressing the systemic failures that allowed the tax billing to occur, local legislative representation stepped forward to offer assistance and clarify regional bylaws. Nyumarno, a member of the Bekasi Regency Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), was present during the legislative visit and corroborated the school administration’s assertions regarding statutory exemptions.

According to Nyumarno, regional regulations in Bekasi Regency clearly stipulate that places of worship and non-commercial Islamic boarding schools are fully eligible for PBB exemption status. However, he acknowledged that administrative bottlenecks and a lack of proactive coordination between regional revenue agencies and local communities often lead to systemic errors.

"In Bekasi Regency, there is indeed an existing regulation stating that places of worship or non-commercial Islamic boarding schools can apply for PBB exemption," Nyumarno explained. He admitted, however, that in practical implementation, tax bills are frequently dispatched automatically through computerized assessment systems without adequate field verification or prior social outreach. To rectify the situation at Pesantren Al-Fath, Nyumarno committed to providing direct legal and administrative accompaniment to ensure the cancellation of the tax bills and the formal securing of the school’s tax-exempt status.

Broader Implications for Pesantren Across Indonesia

The public outcry led by Rieke Diah Pitaloka highlights a recurring systemic vulnerability faced by traditional religious and educational institutions throughout Indonesia. Pesantrens, many of which operate on modest donations, agricultural yields, and community goodwill, frequently lack the administrative infrastructure required to navigate complex bureaucratic compliance procedures.

When regional governments push to maximize local revenue generation (Pendapatan Asli Daerah, or PAD), decentralized tax agencies occasionally target institutional landholdings without properly cross-referencing waqf registries or public-interest exemptions. This disconnect frequently results in administrative friction, public backlash, and unnecessary distress for community leaders and religious scholars who dedicate their lives to public education.

Analysts note that the high-profile involvement of national lawmakers in the Pesantren Al-Fath case may prompt the Ministry of Finance and regional administrative bodies to review automated tax assessment protocols. Ensuring better data integration between the Ministry of Religious Affairs, regional revenue offices (Bapenda), and local land offices (BPN) could prevent similar administrative errors from recurring. For Pesantren Al-Fath, the immediate priority remains securing official administrative relief so that the legacy of the late Kiai Yasin can continue to serve the community free from the threat of asset seizure and financial penalties.

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Sports

Shin Tae-yong Receives Severe Sanction from KFA Amidst Ulsan HD Allegations

by Evan Lee Salim
written by Evan Lee Salim

Seoul, South Korea – July 24, 2026 – Shin Tae-yong, the newly appointed head coach of Persija Jakarta, has been handed a significant disciplinary sanction by the Korea Football Association (KFA) concerning allegations of player misconduct during his tenure with Ulsan HD. The KFA’s Disciplinary Committee reached a decision on this matter in early July 2026, a move that has now been communicated to Shin Tae-yong.

The precise nature of the disciplinary action remains undisclosed by the KFA. A KFA official, speaking anonymously to South Korean media outlet News1 on Friday, July 24, 2026, confirmed the committee’s meeting and the subsequent notification to Shin Tae-yong. "The KFA Disciplinary Committee meeting concerning coach Shin Tae Yong was held earlier this month, and the disciplinary measures were recently communicated," the official stated. The official further elaborated that specific details of the sanction could not be publicly revealed due to the sensitive nature of personal information involved. "We were only informed that the details of the disciplinary measures cannot be disclosed as it involves sensitive personal information," the official added.

Shin Tae-yong was officially unveiled as the head coach of Indonesian club Persija Jakarta in June 2026. He has since been actively engaged in preparing the "Macan Kemayoran" (The Royal Tigers) squad for the upcoming pre-season President’s Cup 2026 and the new league season. Crucially, reports suggest that the KFA sanction will not directly impede Shin Tae-yong’s coaching activities in Indonesia, as the punitive measures are understood to be confined to the territorial jurisdiction of South Korea.

However, according to Yonhap news agency, the sanctions could encompass a range of severe penalties. These reportedly include a potential suspension of Shin Tae-yong’s coaching license for up to 10 years, a ban from participating in football matches, and the possibility of an expulsion from the South Korean football community altogether.

The KFA’s disciplinary action is widely believed to be a consequence of controversies that arose during Shin Tae-yong’s brief spell as head coach of Ulsan HD in 2025.

The Genesis of Controversy at Ulsan HD

Shin Tae-yong assumed the role of head coach for Ulsan HD in August 2025. His appointment came at a critical juncture for the club, which had experienced a decline in performance after a remarkable period of success, having secured the K-League title for three consecutive seasons prior to his arrival. Ulsan HD, seeking to reignite their championship aspirations, made a change in their coaching staff, bringing in Shin Tae-yong to replace Kim Pan-gon.

Despite the club’s ambition, Shin Tae-yong’s tenure at Ulsan HD proved to be exceptionally short, lasting approximately only two months. This period was marred by significant controversies, extending beyond the team’s disappointing on-field results. Reports emerged detailing internal conflicts between the head coach and several key players within the squad.

One of the prominent figures reportedly involved in these player-coach disputes was veteran Ulsan HD defender Jung Seung-hyun. While the exact nature of the alleged misconduct remains officially undisclosed, media speculation has pointed towards incidents of verbal or even physical altercations. Such allegations, if substantiated, would be in direct violation of ethical standards expected of professional football coaches and could explain the severity of the KFA’s response.

Timeline of Events

August 2025: Shin Tae-yong is appointed head coach of Ulsan HD, tasked with reviving the club’s fortunes after a period of sustained success.

September – October 2025: Ulsan HD experiences a dip in performance under Shin Tae-yong’s leadership. Reports of internal friction between the coach and players begin to surface. Specific incidents involving alleged misconduct by Shin Tae-yong are rumored.

October 2025: Shin Tae-yong’s tenure as Ulsan HD head coach concludes after approximately two months. The club’s future coaching plans are initiated.

Early July 2026: The KFA’s Disciplinary Committee convenes to deliberate on the allegations against Shin Tae-yong stemming from his Ulsan HD period. A decision is reached.

July 24, 2026: The KFA officially communicates its disciplinary decision to Shin Tae-yong. A KFA official confirms the sanction to South Korean media, though specific details remain confidential. News of the sanction breaks, impacting Shin Tae-yong’s new role at Persija Jakarta.

June 2026: Shin Tae-yong is officially introduced as the head coach of Persija Jakarta. This announcement predates the KFA’s final decision but highlights the timing of the sanction’s revelation.

Background and Context: The KFA’s Disciplinary Framework

The Korea Football Association, as the governing body for football in South Korea, holds significant authority in regulating the conduct of its member coaches and clubs. The KFA’s disciplinary code is designed to uphold the integrity of the sport, ensuring fair play, respect, and a safe environment for all participants. Allegations of player abuse, whether verbal or physical, are taken extremely seriously and can lead to severe penalties.

The KFA’s Disciplinary Committee is comprised of individuals tasked with impartially reviewing evidence and making judgments based on established regulations. Their decisions are intended to serve as a deterrent against future misconduct and to maintain public trust in the sport. The severity of the potential sanctions – including license suspension and expulsion – underscores the gravity with which such matters are treated within the South Korean football ecosystem.

The Ulsan HD incident is not the first time a prominent figure in South Korean football has faced disciplinary action. The KFA has a history of imposing sanctions for various infractions, ranging from match-fixing and corruption to unsportsmanlike conduct on and off the field. The current case, however, appears to be particularly significant due to Shin Tae-yong’s international profile.

Supporting Data and Previous Coaching Roles

Shin Tae-yong has had a distinguished career as both a player and a coach. As a player, he was a celebrated midfielder for the South Korean national team, earning 103 caps and participating in two FIFA World Cups (1994, 1998). His coaching career has seen him manage various South Korean clubs, including Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (now Seongnam FC) and Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors.

His most prominent role prior to Ulsan HD was as the head coach of the South Korean national football team. He led the Taeguk Warriors during the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, where the team famously defeated Germany, the then-reigning champions, in a memorable group stage match. His tactical acumen and ability to motivate players were widely recognized during this period.

After his national team stint, Shin Tae-yong transitioned to coaching in Australia, managing Brisbane Roar FC. His subsequent appointment at Ulsan HD represented a return to the K-League, a league he knows intimately from his playing and coaching days. The swift end to his Ulsan HD tenure and the subsequent disciplinary action represent an unexpected and challenging chapter in his coaching journey.

Potential Implications for Persija Jakarta and Indonesian Football

The sanction imposed by the KFA, while reportedly limited to South Korean territory, could still have ripple effects for Persija Jakarta and Indonesian football.

Firstly, the reputational damage to Shin Tae-yong, even if localized, might cast a shadow over his coaching credentials. Persija Jakarta, a club with significant ambitions and a substantial fan base, will be keen to see their coach navigate this challenge effectively. The club may face increased scrutiny from media and fans regarding the details of the situation.

Secondly, the psychological impact on Shin Tae-yong himself cannot be underestimated. Facing a potential decade-long ban from coaching within his home country could be a significant setback. His ability to remain focused and motivated in his new role in Indonesia will be a key factor in Persija’s success.

From a broader perspective, this incident highlights the international reach of football governance and the importance of maintaining high ethical standards. It underscores the KFA’s commitment to enforcing its regulations, regardless of the individual’s stature. For Indonesian football, it presents an opportunity to learn from such situations and to reinforce its own commitment to fair play and ethical coaching practices.

While the exact terms of the KFA’s sanction remain under wraps, the severity of the potential penalties suggests that the alleged misconduct was substantial. The football world will be watching to see how Shin Tae-yong responds to this disciplinary action and how it shapes the remainder of his coaching career at Persija Jakarta and beyond. The club, meanwhile, will need to provide its full support to its coach while ensuring that all operations remain compliant with relevant football regulations. The coming months will undoubtedly be a period of intense focus for both Shin Tae-yong and Persija Jakarta as they navigate this unexpected challenge.

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Politics

Lawmaker Rieke Diah Pitaloka Demands Answers After Pesantren Al-Fath Jalen Receives Property Tax Bills, Sparking Debate on Non-Profit Exemptions

by Layla Zulfa
written by Layla Zulfa

Jakarta, Indonesia – October 22, 2025 – A significant controversy has erupted following the revelation that Pesantren Al-Fath Jalen, a revered Islamic boarding school in Tambun Utara, Kabupaten Bekasi, has been issued substantial property tax (Pajak Bumi dan Bangunan – PBB) bills, despite legal provisions typically exempting non-profit religious and educational institutions. The issue gained widespread attention after Member of Parliament Rieke Diah Pitaloka, representing the PDI Perjuangan faction in Commission VI of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), publicly voiced her vehement objection, even directly appealing to Minister of Finance Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa for intervention. This incident has ignited a broader discussion on the implementation of tax regulations for non-profit entities, particularly those serving critical public functions.

The controversy unfolded when Rieke Diah Pitaloka, a prominent figure known for her advocacy in social justice and labor rights, shared an emotional video on her personal Instagram account, @riekediahp, under the banner "Viral for Justice" and the hashtag #SavePesantrenIndonesia. In the video, filmed during her visit to Pesantren Al-Fath Jalen, the lawmaker expressed profound dismay and anger upon learning of the tax demands. Her frustration was palpable as she recounted how officials from the local Regional Revenue Agency (Badan Pendapatan Daerah – Bapenda) had visited the pesantren to collect the property tax. "Suddenly, people came from the Regional Revenue Agency demanding tax. Kang Purbaya, please, Kang Purbaya!" Rieke exclaimed, her voice filled with urgency and disbelief, directly addressing the Minister of Finance. Her impassioned plea underscored the perceived injustice of the situation, particularly given the pesantren’s role as a non-profit educational institution.

The Pesantren at the Heart of the Dispute: Al-Fath Jalen

Pesantren Al-Fath Jalen, established by the late Kiai Yasin, has long served as a pillar of religious education and community development in Tambun Utara, Bekasi. Like thousands of other pesantren across Indonesia, it operates primarily as a non-profit institution dedicated to providing Islamic education, character building, and social services. These institutions often function as extensions of the state’s educational and social welfare responsibilities, particularly in remote or underserved areas, contributing significantly to national human resource development without seeking commercial gain. The financial sustainability of such institutions typically relies on donations, endowments (waqf), and community support, rather than revenue generation from commercial activities. The land and buildings upon which Pesantren Al-Fath Jalen stands are understood to be waqf property, meaning they are endowed for charitable or religious purposes, further reinforcing their non-commercial status.

The management of Pesantren Al-Fath Jalen, represented by Naili, detailed a perplexing chronology of events that led to the current predicament. According to Naili, when the pesantren initiated the process of obtaining a waqf certificate for its land and buildings around 2010, officials at the local Office of Religious Affairs (Kantor Urusan Agama – KUA) explicitly informed them that pesantren, by their very nature and waqf status, were exempt from PBB. "Around 2010, we processed the waqf certificate at the KUA. The process was lengthy and expensive. At that time, KUA officials told us that pesantren were exempt from PBB. As ordinary people, we simply believed them," Naili recounted during her interview with Rieke Diah Pitaloka. This initial assurance, coming from a government agency involved in religious affairs, formed the basis of the pesantren’s understanding regarding its tax obligations, or rather, its lack thereof.

For over a decade, the pesantren operated under this premise, focusing its limited resources on its educational and religious mission, serving hundreds of students from the surrounding communities. However, the situation dramatically changed in 2024 when the first property tax bills began arriving, catching the pesantren management completely by surprise. The surprise turned to alarm in 2025 when the pesantren received a more ominous letter, threatening a "police line" – a term often associated with the sealing or seizure of property for non-payment of taxes or legal violations. "In 2025, we received a letter stating that our pesantren would be ‘police-lined.’ I cried, honestly. Not long after that, Abah (Kiai Yasin) passed away," Naili shared, highlighting the immense stress and emotional toll these demands have taken on the pesantren community, particularly in the wake of their founder’s passing. The threat of property seizure, even if administrative, carries significant psychological weight and could severely disrupt the operations of an institution vital to its community, potentially displacing students and staff.

The Legal Basis for Exemption: A Deep Dive into Indonesian PBB Regulations

Rieke Diah Pitaloka’s vehement objection is rooted in a specific legal provision, namely Article 38 of the regulations governing Property and Building Tax (Pajak Bumi dan Bangunan). While the original source refers to "Article 38 in the regulation regarding PBB," it’s crucial to contextualize this within Indonesia’s broader tax framework. The primary legislation governing property tax in Indonesia has evolved, with the responsibility for PBB-P2 (Pajak Bumi dan Bangunan Perdesaan dan Perkotaan, or Rural and Urban Land and Building Tax) largely devolved to local governments under Law No. 28 of 2009 concerning Regional Taxes and Regional Levies (Undang-Undang Pajak Daerah dan Retribusi Daerah). Subsequent legislation, such as Law No. 1 of 2022 concerning Financial Relations between the Central Government and Regional Governments, further clarifies these responsibilities, giving local Bapenda agencies the authority to collect PBB-P2.

Crucially, Article 77 of Law No. 28 of 2009 (and similar provisions in previous PBB laws, such as Law No. 12 of 1985 as amended by Law No. 12 of 1994) outlines specific exemptions for PBB. These exemptions typically apply to land and buildings that are used solely for public interest purposes in the fields of religion, social welfare, health, education, and national culture, provided they are not intended to generate profit. This is precisely the clause that Rieke Diah Pitaloka invoked, arguing that Pesantren Al-Fath Jalen perfectly fits this description.

"My brother’s foundation (referring to the pesantren’s underlying legal entity) doesn’t seek profit. How dare they demand tax? We will resolve this according to customary law, I mean, legal custom," Rieke asserted, underscoring her belief that the tax demand directly contradicts the spirit and letter of the law. She further emphasized, "Pesantren have already taken over the responsibilities of the state. Things like this certainly shouldn’t happen." Her argument highlights the dual role of pesantren as private institutions that nonetheless fulfill public functions, thereby deserving state support and, crucially, tax exemptions as a form of indirect subsidy. This principle is not unique to Indonesia; many countries offer similar tax benefits to non-profit charitable, religious, and educational organizations, recognizing their societal contributions.

Local Government Perspective and Pledges of Support

Adding significant weight to Rieke’s argument, Nyumarno, a member of the Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) for Kabupaten Bekasi, who was also present during Rieke’s visit, corroborated the existence of local regulations supporting the exemption of pesantren from PBB. "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. This confirms that the principle of exemption for such institutions is not merely a central government policy but is also enshrined in local ordinances, reflecting a consistent policy direction across different levels of government.

Nyumarno, however, acknowledged a critical flaw in the implementation: the lack of proper socialization of these regulations and the administrative processes required to secure such exemptions. "But in practice, there are indeed bills that arrive without prior socialization," he admitted. This points to a systemic issue where the letter of the law and its practical execution diverge, leading to confusion and distress for institutions like Pesantren Al-Fath Jalen. Recognizing the distress caused to the pesantren, Nyumarno pledged direct assistance: "For Pesantren Al-Fath, I will personally accompany them to ensure they are exempted from PBB." This commitment from a local legislator offers a glimmer of hope for the pesantren and underscores the immediate need for better communication and administrative clarity between local tax authorities and the public they serve.

Broader Implications: Pesantren’s Role and Administrative Challenges

This incident at Pesantren Al-Fath Jalen is not an isolated case but rather a microcosm of potential systemic issues concerning tax administration for non-profit organizations in Indonesia. Indonesia boasts a vast network of over 30,000 pesantren, educating millions of students annually and contributing immensely to the nation’s social fabric and religious harmony. These institutions are integral to Indonesia’s unique educational landscape, often providing holistic learning that encompasses religious studies, general knowledge, and vocational skills. The government, through various ministries like the Ministry of Religious Affairs, frequently provides grants and support programs to pesantren, acknowledging their vital role in national development and character building. Demanding PBB from institutions that are explicitly designed to be non-profit and serve public interests can directly contradict broader government policy aimed at strengthening these educational centers.

The administrative burden for small, community-run institutions like Pesantren Al-Fath Jalen in navigating complex tax bureaucracy is significant. The initial advice from the KUA in 2010, while perhaps well-intentioned, highlights a potential disconnect or lack of clarity regarding the precise procedures for claiming PBB exemption. While the spirit of the law intends to exempt such entities, the practical application often requires specific applications, documentation, and periodic re-verification processes that might not be easily understood or accessible to non-specialists. Many pesantren, especially those in rural areas or with limited administrative capacity, may struggle to keep abreast of evolving tax regulations or to fulfill intricate bureaucratic requirements. The sudden arrival of bills and threats of "police lines" without prior engagement or clear explanation of the administrative process for exemption can be deeply unsettling and counterproductive, potentially diverting precious resources from their core educational mission to dispute tax claims.

Potential Responses and Future Steps

The public outcry from a prominent lawmaker like Rieke Diah Pitaloka is likely to prompt a response from various government bodies.

  • Ministry of Finance/Directorate General of Taxes: While PBB-P2 is a local tax, the Ministry of Finance, as the central authority for fiscal policy, may issue a statement emphasizing the importance of applying tax laws fairly and supporting non-profit institutions. They might reiterate national guidelines for exemptions and urge local governments to review their administrative processes to ensure consistency and transparency. They could also underscore the central government’s commitment to ensuring that tax policies do not inadvertently burden institutions critical for public welfare and national education.
  • Local Revenue Agency (Bapenda) Kabupaten Bekasi: Bapenda will likely need to conduct a thorough and expedited review of Pesantren Al-Fath Jalen’s case. This would involve verifying its non-profit status, its use of the property for exclusively religious and educational purposes, and the historical records of its waqf certification. Should an administrative error or misclassification be confirmed, the agency would be expected to offer a waiver or cancellation of the past due bills. Furthermore, the agency would be expected to address the concerns about lack of socialization of tax regulations and exemption procedures, perhaps by initiating proactive outreach programs for religious and educational institutions.
  • Ministry of Religious Affairs: The Ministry could play a crucial mediating and clarifying role, especially given the initial advice provided by the KUA. They might issue circulars or clearer guidelines to KUA offices nationwide regarding their role in informing religious institutions about tax exemptions and the administrative steps involved. This would help prevent future misunderstandings and ensure that accurate information is consistently provided across all levels.

Expert Perspectives on Tax Administration for Non-Profits

Tax experts often point to the complexities of property tax administration, particularly when dealing with non-profit entities. "The challenge often lies in verifying the actual non-profit status and ensuring the property is exclusively used for the stated exempt purposes," notes Dr. Sari Dewi, a tax law specialist from a prominent Indonesian university. "While the law is clear, administrative lapses can occur due to data discrepancies, changes in property use over time, or simply a lack of effective communication channels between tax authorities and the institutions they oversee. A proactive approach from local governments, including regular outreach and clear guidance for exemption applications, is crucial. The onus shouldn’t always be on the non-profit to navigate complex bureaucratic hurdles; the government also has a responsibility to facilitate legal exemptions."

Legal experts would also emphasize the importance of administrative appeal mechanisms. Institutions wrongly billed have the right to challenge these assessments through formal channels, a process often involving submitting objections and appeals. However, for many small institutions, navigating these legal complexities without assistance can be daunting, highlighting the value of intervention from public figures like Rieke Diah Pitaloka and local representatives like Nyumarno, who can provide direct support and amplify the issue.

Conclusion: Upholding the Spirit of the Law

The incident involving Pesantren Al-Fath Jalen serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between efficient tax collection and the promotion of public welfare. While robust tax collection is essential for national and local development, it must be administered with fairness, clarity, and strict adherence to the spirit of laws designed to support vital social and educational institutions. The emotional plea from Rieke Diah Pitaloka and the distress experienced by the pesantren management underscore the very real human impact of administrative errors or ambiguities in policy implementation.

As Indonesia continues to develop, ensuring that institutions like pesantren can operate without undue financial burden, consistent with their legal exemptions, is paramount. This case calls for a comprehensive review of PBB implementation for non-profit entities nationwide, improved coordination among central and local government agencies, and enhanced efforts to educate both tax collectors and the public on existing tax regulations and exemption procedures. Ultimately, upholding the spirit of the law means protecting the institutions that contribute tirelessly to the nation’s social, educational, and spiritual well-being. The swift and just resolution of Pesantren Al-Fath Jalen’s predicament will be a critical test of the government’s commitment to these fundamental principles.

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Education

2026 World Cup Successfully Held, FIFA President Gianni Infantino Receives Job Offer from Trump.

by Ammar Sabilarrohman
written by Ammar Sabilarrohman

Following the conclusion of the most expansive and commercially successful FIFA World Cup in history, reports have emerged that United States President Donald Trump is eyeing FIFA President Gianni Infantino for a pivotal role on the global stage. According to exclusive reports, Trump has expressed a desire to nominate the 56-year-old Swiss-Italian executive as the next Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN). This unconventional proposal comes on the heels of a tournament that many analysts believe has redefined the intersection of sports, logistics, and international diplomacy.

The 2026 World Cup, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, served as a massive "proof of concept" for Infantino’s leadership. With 48 teams and 104 matches staged across 16 host cities, the tournament was a logistical behemoth that required unprecedented cooperation between three sovereign nations. It is this specific ability to manage complex, multi-national interests that has reportedly captured the attention of the American President.

A New Vision for Global Diplomacy

The report, first detailed by the New York Post, suggests that Donald Trump views Gianni Infantino not merely as a sports administrator, but as a master diplomat capable of bridging the deep divides currently plaguing the international community. Sources close to the White House indicate that Trump believes the United Nations requires a "disruptor" with a proven track record of financial growth and organizational reform.

"He is respected by everyone around the world and has a special ability to bring many parties together," a source familiar with the President’s thinking stated. The rationale behind the potential nomination is rooted in the idea that if a leader can successfully navigate the internal politics of 211 member associations in FIFA—an organization often described as more influential than many small nations—then he possesses the requisite skills to lead the UN General Assembly.

Under Infantino’s presidency, FIFA has seen its revenues soar to record heights, with the 2023-2026 cycle expected to yield upwards of $11 billion. For a President like Trump, who often views international relations through the lens of executive efficiency and "deal-making," Infantino represents a departure from the traditional career diplomats who have historically held the office of Secretary-General.

The Success of the 2026 North American World Cup

The backdrop to this surprising development is the undeniable success of the 2026 World Cup. As the first edition to feature 48 teams, skeptics initially feared that the tournament would be diluted in quality and overwhelmed by logistical nightmares. However, the event broke all previous attendance records, with millions of fans traveling across North America.

The "United" bid, which was secured during Trump’s first term and brought to fruition during his second, became a symbol of regional cooperation. Infantino’s role in ensuring that the 16 host cities—ranging from Vancouver to Mexico City to New York/New Jersey—were synchronized in their security, transportation, and hospitality efforts is cited as a primary reason for the President’s admiration.

The tournament also served as a diplomatic neutral ground. Despite various geopolitical tensions, the 2026 World Cup saw nations from every continent compete without major diplomatic incidents, a feat that Trump reportedly believes can be replicated in the hallowed halls of the United Nations headquarters in New York.

A Relationship Built on Sports and Statecraft

The rapport between Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino is not a recent development. The two have shared a visible and cordial relationship since at least 2018. Infantino has been a frequent guest at the White House and has met with Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

During these meetings, Infantino often presented Trump with commemorative jerseys and even a set of referee cards, jokingly suggesting that Trump could use the "red card" on his political opponents. Beyond the theatrics, however, the two leaders share a similar "globalist-populist" approach to management—focusing on expanding the reach of their respective "brands" while emphasizing the importance of infrastructure and economic impact.

Infantino’s move of various FIFA operations to the United States, including a significant presence in Miami, further solidified his ties to the American administration. This proximity has allowed for a level of direct communication that is rare between a head of state and the head of a sports federation.

The Path to the United Nations Secretary-Generalship

Should Donald Trump proceed with a formal nomination, the path for Gianni Infantino would be fraught with significant procedural and political hurdles. The current UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, is set to conclude his second five-year term in December 2026.

Piala Dunia 2026 Sukses Digelar, Presiden FIFA Gianni Infantino Dapat Tawaran Jabatan dari Trump

According to Article 97 of the UN Charter, the Secretary-General is appointed by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council. This means that Infantino would first need to secure the support of at least nine of the 15 members of the Security Council, with none of the five permanent members (P5)—the United States, China, Russia, France, and the United Kingdom—using their veto power.

While the U.S. support would be guaranteed under Trump, the reaction from other P5 members remains a significant question mark. China and Russia have historically preferred candidates with a more traditional diplomatic background or those from regions that follow the informal "geographical rotation" of the office. Furthermore, Infantino’s Swiss-Italian heritage would mean another European leader at the helm of the UN, which might face opposition from the "Global South" bloc that has been calling for a leader from Africa or Latin America.

Analyzing the Implications of an "Executive" Secretary-General

The potential transition of a FIFA President to the UN Secretary-Generalship would represent a paradigm shift in global governance. Critics argue that the skills required to run a sports federation—primarily marketing, broadcasting rights negotiations, and tournament logistics—are vastly different from the nuanced, high-stakes nuclear and humanitarian diplomacy required at the UN.

However, proponents of the idea point to the "soft power" of sports. Football (soccer) is arguably the only truly universal language. Infantino has often used the phrase "Football Unites the World" as a core pillar of his administration. By leveraging the popularity of the sport, he has managed to open doors in countries where traditional Western diplomats often struggle to find traction.

In an era where the United Nations is frequently criticized for being bureaucratic and slow to react to modern crises, the "Infantino Model"—characterized by rapid expansion, financial transparency (through the FIFA Forward program), and a focus on global infrastructure—could be seen as a necessary, if controversial, remedy.

Reactions from the International Community

While there has been no official statement from the United Nations or FIFA regarding these reports, the rumor mill in New York and Zurich is in overdrive. International relations experts are divided on the feasibility of such a move.

"Gianni Infantino has spent a decade navigating the most treacherous political waters in sports," said one European diplomat speaking on the condition of anonymity. "He knows how to balance the needs of the powerful European clubs with the aspirations of developing nations in Africa and Asia. That is, in essence, what the UN Secretary-General does every day."

Conversely, human rights organizations have expressed caution. Infantino’s tenure at FIFA has not been without controversy, particularly regarding the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and the upcoming 2034 tournament in Saudi Arabia. Critics argue that his willingness to prioritize the growth of the game over human rights concerns might make him a polarizing figure at the UN, where human rights are a central pillar of the organization’s mandate.

The Timeline Ahead

As 2026 progresses, the focus will shift from the pitch to the halls of power. The selection process for the next UN Secretary-General typically begins in earnest in the summer of the final year of the incumbent’s term.

  1. Late 2025 – Early 2026: Informal discussions between member states regarding potential candidates.
  2. July 2026: The conclusion of the World Cup provides the momentum for Infantino’s potential "victory lap" and transition.
  3. October 2026: The UN Security Council begins the "straw poll" process to narrow down the list of candidates.
  4. December 2026: The official appointment by the General Assembly.

Gianni Infantino, whose current term as FIFA President runs until 2027, has not yet commented on whether he would be willing to cut his tenure short for a role in the UN. Having already secured his legacy by successfully delivering the expanded 2026 World Cup, the prospect of leading the world’s most important intergovernmental organization may prove to be an irresistible next chapter in his career.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Expansion

Whether or not Infantino makes the leap to the United Nations, his influence on the global stage is undeniable. The 2026 World Cup was more than just a series of football matches; it was a massive cultural and economic event that proved the viability of multi-national cooperation on a grand scale.

If Donald Trump succeeds in placing a sports executive at the head of the UN, it will signal a new era where "soft power" and corporate-style management take precedence over traditional statecraft. For now, the world waits to see if the man who conquered the world of football is ready to take on the world of global politics. For Gianni Infantino, the "beautiful game" may have just been the beginning of a much larger journey.

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Travel

Gampong Nusa Tourism Village in Aceh Besar Receives Prestigious Recognition at ASEAN Tourism Awards 2023-2025 for Excellence in Homestay Standards

by Ammar Sabilarrohman
written by Ammar Sabilarrohman

The recognition of Gampong Nusa Tourism Village in the Lhoknga District of Aceh Besar Regency marks a significant milestone in the development of community-based tourism within the Indonesian archipelago. By securing a prestigious accolade at the ASEAN Tourism Awards 2023-2025, the village’s homestay facilities have officially reached a regional benchmark of quality, signaling to international travelers that the accommodations meet rigorous standards of hospitality, cleanliness, and authenticity. This achievement was formalized during an award ceremony held at the Kraton Ballroom of the Marriott Hotel in Yogyakarta, where the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, personally presented the award to the Village Head, or Keuchik, of Gampong Nusa, Yasin.

The attainment of this regional award serves as a testament to the long-term dedication of the Gampong Nusa community, which has spent nearly two decades refining its tourism offerings. According to Keuchik Yasin, the recognition from the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) implies that the village’s homestays are now categorized as world-class, or at the very least, compliant with the standardized criteria shared by Southeast Asian nations. This validation is expected to bolster the confidence of foreign tourists considering a visit to Aceh, a province that has worked tirelessly to rebrand itself as a premier destination for cultural and sustainable tourism.

A Legacy of Resilience and Hospitality

The history of Gampong Nusa’s hospitality is deeply intertwined with the province’s broader narrative of recovery and resilience. Following the devastating Indian Ocean Tsunami in December 2004, the village became a focal point for international aid workers and volunteers. It was during this period of reconstruction that the local population began to open their homes to outsiders, initially as a gesture of gratitude and necessity. Over time, this organic interaction evolved into a structured community-based tourism (CBT) model.

By providing lodging to humanitarian workers and later to domestic and international travelers from countries such as the United States, Malaysia, and Brunei Darussalam, the residents of Gampong Nusa developed an innate understanding of hospitality. This historical context provides the foundation for the 45 homestay rooms currently operational in the village. The transition from a disaster-stricken area to an award-winning tourism hub is a rare success story that highlights the power of local agency and social capital.

In 2021, the village gained national prominence when it won first place in the Indonesian Tourism Village Award (Anugerah Desa Wisata Indonesia or ADWI) specifically in the homestay category. The transition from national recognition to regional ASEAN acclaim within two years demonstrates a consistent upward trajectory in the village’s management and service quality.

Understanding the ASEAN Tourism Standards

The ASEAN Tourism Awards are not merely honorary titles; they are based on a comprehensive set of criteria known as the ASEAN Tourism Standards. These standards were developed to enhance the quality of tourism human resources and services across the ten member states. For the homestay category, the evaluation covers several critical pillars, including host involvement, accommodation quality, cleanliness, safety, and the promotion of local culture and heritage.

To qualify for such an award, a village must demonstrate that its homestays are integrated into the local way of life. Unlike commercial hotels, ASEAN-standard homestays require the host to live on the premises and engage with guests, providing an authentic cultural exchange. The facilities must also adhere to strict hygiene protocols—a factor that has become increasingly important in the post-pandemic travel landscape. Gampong Nusa’s success indicates that its 45 registered rooms have successfully balanced modern amenities with the traditional Acehnese architectural and social nuances.

Minister Sandiaga Uno has frequently emphasized that tourism villages are the "spearhead" of Indonesia’s economic recovery. By elevating local villages to ASEAN standards, the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf) aims to create a more decentralized tourism economy, moving away from a heavy reliance on Bali and toward diverse regional destinations like Aceh.

Socio-Economic Impact and Community Empowerment

The primary objective of developing Gampong Nusa into a high-caliber tourism destination is the improvement of the local economy. Keuchik Yasin noted that the influx of visitors directly translates into increased income for the villagers. However, the economic impact extends far beyond the rental of rooms. The "homestay economy" creates a multiplier effect that benefits various sectors of the village.

Local culinary entrepreneurs provide traditional Acehnese meals for guests, while artisans find a market for their handicrafts, such as traditional weaving and products made from recycled waste—a specialty for which Gampong Nusa is well-known. The village has gained a reputation for its "zero waste" approach, where community members transform organic and inorganic waste into valuable souvenirs. This environmental consciousness adds a layer of sustainability to the tourism model, appealing to the growing demographic of eco-conscious travelers.

Furthermore, the management of these homestays encourages the involvement of the youth and women in the village. By participating in digital marketing, guest management, and tour guiding, the younger generation is provided with viable career paths within their own community, reducing the need for urban migration. This preservation of the social fabric is a cornerstone of the Gampong Nusa model.

Strategic Positioning of Aceh Tourism

The recognition of Gampong Nusa comes at a time when the Aceh provincial government is aggressively promoting its "Halal Tourism" and "Cultural Tourism" brands. As a region with a unique semi-autonomous status and the implementation of Sharia law, Aceh offers a distinct cultural experience within Indonesia. Gampong Nusa serves as a model for how traditional values and modern tourism standards can coexist harmoniously.

The village’s proximity to the provincial capital, Banda Aceh, and its location near the scenic coastline of Lhoknga make it a strategic stop for travelers. By securing the ASEAN Tourism Award, Gampong Nusa helps dispel misconceptions about the region, presenting Aceh as a welcoming, safe, and professional destination. The endorsement by ASEAN neighboring countries acts as a powerful marketing tool, particularly for attracting visitors from Malaysia and Brunei, who share similar cultural and religious ties with the Acehnese people.

Future Aspirations and Sustainable Growth

Despite the current success, the leadership of Gampong Nusa is looking toward future expansion and further accolades. Keuchik Yasin expressed hope that the village would eventually win awards in other categories, such as "Digital Village" or "Sustainable Tourism Destination." The long-term vision is to create a holistic tourism ecosystem where every aspect of village life—from agriculture to waste management—is integrated into the visitor experience.

To maintain the ASEAN standard, the village must engage in continuous capacity building. This involves regular training for homestay owners in English language proficiency, digital literacy, and international culinary standards, while ensuring that the core "Acehnese identity" remains untouched. The challenge for Gampong Nusa will be to scale its operations without losing the intimate, community-centric charm that earned it the award in the first place.

The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy has pledged continued support for tourism villages through infrastructure improvements and promotional campaigns. As part of the national strategic plan, villages like Gampong Nusa are expected to contribute to the target of achieving 7.4 million international arrivals and 1.4 billion domestic tourist trips in the coming years.

Conclusion: A Model for the Region

The achievement of Gampong Nusa Tourism Village at the ASEAN Tourism Awards 2023-2025 is more than just a win for a single regency in Aceh; it is a blueprint for community-led development across Indonesia. It proves that with consistent leadership, community participation, and government support, a small village can transform its local heritage into a globally recognized tourism product.

As the tourism industry continues to shift toward authenticity and sustainability, Gampong Nusa is well-positioned to become a leading destination in Southeast Asia. The 45 homestay rooms in this village represent 45 families whose lives have been improved through tourism, and their success serves as an inspiration for thousands of other "Desa Wisata" across the Indonesian archipelago. By meeting ASEAN standards, Gampong Nusa has not only opened its doors to the world but has also set a high bar for excellence in hospitality that reflects the true spirit of Indonesia.

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