The Indonesian diaspora community has expressed concern over the government's policy of taxing overseas disaster aid for flood victims in Sumatra.
A diaspora from Singapore, Fika, informed that donations from overseas are considered imported goods and will be taxed if the disaster is not declared an emergency.
She also stressed that the tax is hindering diaspora relief initiatives, making financial contributions the only major form of aid.
The move has received criticism from various quarters as the Sumatra floods have claimed 969 lives and left thousands homeless.
The Indonesian Embassy in Singapore confirmed that they do not have the authority to facilitate the delivery of aid or influence the government's decision to declare an emergency.
Ambassador Suryo Pratomo advised the overseas community to channel donations through the Indonesian Red Cross or other legitimate organizations.
Meanwhile, Minister of the State Secretariat Prasetyo Hadi explained that the government still has sufficient daily resources for Indonesians to deal with the floods without relying on foreign aid.
The Directorate General of Customs has yet to issue any detailed response on the implementation of taxes on aid sent and is working with the parties involved.
The implementation of the tax policy on flood relief has sparked debate among the diaspora community who believe that the new regulations limit the smoothness and effectiveness of humanitarian aid efforts.
