NTT Waives Vehicle Tax Penalties After Flores Earthquake

Ende — The East Nusa Tenggara provincial government has introduced a two-month tax relief programme for vehicle owners in Flores following recent earthquakes, waiving all administrative penalties on motor vehicle tax and vehicle title-transfer fees and cutting arrears on principal tax by up to 75 percent according to provincial regulation and media reports.

The policy is set out in East Nusa Tenggara Governor Regulation No. 54 of 2026, which provides for reductions in motor vehicle tax (Pajak Kendaraan Bermotor/PKB) and vehicle title-transfer fees (Bea Balik Nama Kendaraan Bermotor/BBNKB), as well as the removal of administrative sanctions on PKB. According to regional broadcaster RRI Ende and national tax news outlet DDTC, the programme applies from 1 September to 31 October 2026.

The relief is aimed at residents whose economic activity was disrupted by the quake across mainland Flores and seven districts formally designated as affected areas.

RRI Ende reported that the policy responds to the impact of the disaster on communities in Sikka, Ende, Nagekeo, Ngada, East Manggarai, Manggarai and West Manggarai, where many vehicle owners faced difficulties settling outstanding tax and penalties.

Main elements of the tax relief

RRI Ende, citing officials at the provincial revenue service branch office in Ende, reported that the regulation waives 100 percent of administrative sanctions on motor vehicle tax.

DDTC, which summarised the regulation for taxpayers, likewise noted that taxpayers are exempted from all PKB administrative sanctions in the form of interest and fines for the duration of the programme.

In addition to the sanctions waiver, the regulation provides substantial discounts on outstanding principal motor vehicle tax for vehicles registered in the seven quake-affected districts.

According to RRI Ende coverage of interviews with provincial revenue officials, arrears on principal PKB can be reduced by up to 75 percent for vehicles registered in Sikka, Ende, Nagekeo, Ngada, East Manggarai, Manggarai and West Manggarai.

Media in Kupang have also reported that vehicles registered outside the designated disaster areas can receive a 50 percent discount on outstanding principal PKB, while those in the disaster-affected districts may receive up to 75 percent.

The programme extends to vehicle title-transfer fees.

RRI Ende stated that administrative penalties related to BBNKB are also waived, giving owners an opportunity to regularise ownership documentation without incurring accumulated fines.

The governor regulation further offers incentives for timely taxpayers and for vehicles entering the province from other regions.

Reports from regional media in Kupang describe additional discounts for vehicles that pay PKB before the due date, with higher percentage cuts for earlier payments, and a 50 percent reduction in the basic tax for vehicles that are re-registered into East Nusa Tenggara.

Programme period and eligibility

RRI Ende and DDTC both state that the tax relief programme runs from 1 September to 31 October 2026, after which the special waivers and discounts under Governor Regulation No. 54 of 2026 will expire.

To benefit from the programme, vehicle owners must have their vehicles registered in East Nusa Tenggara and meet standard documentation requirements at the provincial revenue service and Samsat offices.

RRI Ende reported that taxpayers in the seven affected districts do not need to present special certificates proving disaster status.

They can access the waivers and discounts by visiting the relevant regional revenue service unit or Samsat office with their identity card and vehicle registration (STNK) and settling their dues during the programme period.

Officials quoted by local media have encouraged vehicle owners in Flores to use the two-month window to clear arrears and update documentation while penalties are fully waived, warning that normal sanctions will apply once the programme ends.

Sources

• RRI Ende - Pascagempa Flores, Denda Pajak Kendaraan Dibebaskan 100 Persen
• DDTC News - Imbas Gempa, Pemprov Adakan Diskon Pajak Kendaraan Hingga 75 Persen
• Tribun Kupang - Gubernur NTT Keluarkan Kebijakan Pemberian Diskon Pajak Kendaraan Tahap Kedua
• Selidikkasus - Janji Diskon Pajak Gempa Flores Cuma Manis di Media, LPPDM: Gubernur Melki Jangan Bikin Bodoh Rakyat!