MKD Chair Nazarudin Dek Gam noted that the hearing of Pitaloka's clarification regarding her alleged breach of the code of ethics was initially planned for today but has been postponed to an unspecified date.
"Yes, it (the hearing) has been canceled," he told ANTARA in Jakarta on Monday.
He underlined that the hearing would take place after the parliament's recess period, which will conclude on January 20 next year.
According to a written letter ANTARA received, Pitaloka, also a seasoned actress, was reported to the MKD by a citizen named Alfadjri Aditia Prayoga on December 20, 2024. He accused the lawmaker of provoking the public to oppose the VAT increase policy.
Having received and verified the report, the MKD proceeded to issue a summon notice to Pitaloka.
Pitaloka expressed her views on the policy, set to roll out next year, during the plenary session of DPR at the Parliamentary Complex in Jakarta on December 5.
"At this plenary session, I would like to recommend that President Prabowo Subianto postpone or even abort the plan to increase the VAT rate to 12 percent, in accordance with Article 7, paragraphs (3) and (2) of Law No. 7 of 2021," she stated.
She highlighted that the law, which governs the harmonization of tax regulations, essentially provides the government with flexibility, allowing it to either shoot up the tax rate to a maximum of 15 percent or suppress it to as low as five percent instead.
The legislator argued that a policy regarding the VAT rate should be formulated after considering fiscal and monetary dynamics and the prices of staple goods.
Pitaloka then uploaded a video of her conveying the remarks on her Instagram account @riekediahp with taglines of #ViralForJustice and #TolakKenaikanPPN12% (Oppose 12 percent VAT) on the same day.
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Translator: Melalusa S, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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