November 17, 2025 | 08:36 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) tax, known as pajak minuman berpemanis dalam kemasan (MBDK) in Indonesia, has already been implemented in seven Southeast Asian countries.
Indonesia is still in the discussion stage for an SSB tax, according to Febrio Kacaribu, Director General of Fiscal and Economic Policy at the Ministry of Finance.
The seven ASEAN countries with an SSB tax are Cambodia, Laos, Brunei, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Timor Leste. During a briefing with the House of Representatives’ Commission XI, Febrio noted that the average tariff in these countries is around Rp1,771 per liter.
“This average tariff can serve as a reference when we eventually implement the tax, both as a source of state revenue and as a tool to control consumption,” Febrio said at the DPR building in Jakarta on Monday, November 17, 2025.
Discussions about the SSB tax in Indonesia have been ongoing since 2019. The tax has even been included in state revenue projections in the national budget (APBN) since 2022, but its rollout has been repeatedly delayed.
The 2026 State Budget Law also mentions sweetened beverage taxation, covering ready-to-drink beverages and packaged concentrates sold at retail.
Febrio could not confirm whether the tax would be officially introduced next year, emphasizing that implementation depends on achieving national economic growth and job creation targets.
The government is also considering industry readiness. The food and beverage manufacturing sector employs approximately 6.3 million people, according to data from the Ministry of Industry.
“This sector is labor-intensive, so we need to carefully consider technical guidance, especially from the Ministry of Industry. These factors will influence how we move forward,” Febrio added.
Editor’s Choice: All 22 Cikande Factories Exposed to Cesium-137 Have Been Fully Decontaminated
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Japan Plans to Triple Its Tourist Departure Tax
15 menit lalu
The increase is intended to fund measures to address issues arising from the surge in foreign tourism in Japan.
Safe, Clean, Sustainable: Is ASEAN's New Declaration Enough?
10 jam lalu
The new ASEAN Declaration on Safe, Clean, Healthy, & Sustainable Environment is a critical 1st step that compels member states to move beyond rhetoric
Indonesia Leads ASEAN Carbon Market Strategy at COP 30 Climate Summit
1 hari lalu
At COP 30, Indonesia introduced a climate diplomacy innovation titled "Carbon Connection for Climate Action."
Indonesia Delays Plans for Diaper, Wet Wipe Taxes Until Economy Stabilizes
2 hari lalu
Purbaya, said that new taxes, including any on diapers and wet wipes, would only be considered once the national economy grows by 6 percent or more.
Malaysia Offers to Host Peace Talks between Thailand and Cambodia
2 hari lalu
Malaysia has expressed readiness to host new peace talks between Thailand and Cambodia to ease escalating tensions at their border.
Indonesian Police to Probe Violations in Thousands of Tons of CPO Exports
11 hari lalu
The alleged violation involving the export of CPO products is currently being handled by Customs investigators.
Indonesia's Customs Uncovers Exporter Falsifying CPO Derivative Export Reports
11 hari lalu
The exported goods contain CPO derivative products, but were reported as fatty matter. This was done to bypass export bans and duties.
Zohran Mamdani Elected as NYC Mayor, Here's a Look at His Top 5 Campaign Pledges
11 hari lalu
Zohran Mamdani made a number of promises that led to his election as the Mayor of New York.
Indonesia Undecided on Sending Observers to Myanmar Election
11 hari lalu
Foreign Minister Sugiono stated that Indonesia is still considering the decision to send a monitoring team to the upcoming general election in Myanmar.
CSIS Criticizes Prabowo for Lack of Participation in ASEAN Summit
11 hari lalu
The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Indonesia criticizes President Prabowo Subianto's lack of participation in the ASEAN Summit.
