Vietnam Newsreported that the Indonesian government has once again delayed the implementation of the long-awaited excise tax on sweetened beverages, raising questions over its commitment to improving post Covid-19 pandemic public health.
Nirwala Dwi Heryanto, director for communication at the ministry’s customs and excise directorate general, said it was unlikely that the plan to tax sugary beverages could be implemented this year as the ministry was still in the process of completing the legal requirements to impose the excise. The ministry is planning to propose the excise tax to the House Commission IX overseeing health in May. If all goes well it may be in effect next year.