Tax Goes to Campus - The Future of Taxes and Young People

Taxation stands as a fundamental pillar in national development. Serving as a crucial instrument of fiscal policy, tax is not merely a source of state revenue but also plays a significant role in supporting community welfare, education, and the development of underdeveloped regions. However, enhancing public awareness—especially among the younger generation—about the importance of taxation remains a critical need.

Addressing this challenge, Universitas Pembangunan Jaya (UPJ), through its UPJ Tax Center and in collaboration with the UPJ Accounting Student Association, proudly presents "Tax Goes to Campus 2025" with the theme “The Future Of Taxes and Young People”. This event aims to deepen the understanding and increase the participation of the younger generation in tax compliance, recognizing it as one of the foundations of national economic development.

Novi Karsetio Wibowo, M.Ak., a tax practitioner from Jaya Teknik, underscores the importance of early tax education for the younger generation. "Tax is a shared responsibility. By introducing it early in school and college, we cultivate a generation that is both aware of and compliant with tax obligations,” he states. The importance of tax understanding for the younger generation spans several key areas:

  1. Personal Finance: Taxes are an inevitable part of income for both employees and business owners. Understanding taxes helps in better financial management, avoiding penalties, and leveraging available tax incentives.

  2. Public Services: Taxes are crucial for financing public services such as education, health, infrastructure, and security. An awareness of tax importance can motivate the younger generation to actively oversee its use to improve public service quality.

  3. Economic Impact: Tax policies directly influence employment opportunities, wages, and support for young entrepreneurs. A solid grasp of the tax system aids in making informed financial decisions.

  4. Long-term Effects: Tax-related decisions have enduring impacts on the future of young people, affecting national debt, education subsidies, and pension security. Without a clear understanding of tax issues, the younger generation might miss the chance to shape better policies in the future.

Ir. Yudi Samyudia, Ph.D., the Rector of Universitas Pembangunan Jaya (UPJ), envisions this event as a valuable learning tool for all participants, particularly high school students preparing to enter the academic and professional realms. “Tax is a crucial element in driving national progress. Compliance in paying taxes is the first step for a country to develop. With well-managed taxes, the state can build infrastructure and enhance public welfare,” he remarks. Dr. Samyudia also emphasizes the strengths of UPJ’s Accounting Study Program, which boasts a dedicated Tax Center. “Our Tax Center is a significant asset because not all universities provide such facilities. It allows students to gain practical insights into taxation directly,” he adds.

"Tax Goes to Campus 2025" features two main events: a tax competition and a national seminar.

  1. Tax Competition for High School Students

    • Poster Competition: With the theme "Smart Tax for Golden Generation," this competition encourages students to creatively convey tax messages through engaging visuals. Registration runs from December 16, 2024, to January 25, 2025.

    • Cerdas Cermat Competition: Participants will showcase their tax knowledge through an interactive and educational contest.

  2. National Seminar The seminar will feature speakers from the Directorate General of Taxes Banten Regional Office/KPP Pratama Pondok Aren and tax practitioners from Jaya Teknik. It aims to provide in-depth insights into the role of taxes in national development and motivate the younger generation to participate actively.

This program also seeks to enhance the relationship between the Directorate General of Taxes (DGT) and the academic community. A representative from the DGT Banten Regional Office stated, “We hope this program will increase students' understanding of tax importance and their contribution to national development.”

With a variety of educational and competitive activities, "Tax Goes to Campus 2025" not only raises tax awareness but also instills values of tax compliance in the younger generation.