Indonesia’s Tax directorate general Updates CoreTax System After Coding Request Backlash
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Jakarta – The Directorate general of Tax (DJP) of Indonesia’s Ministry of Finance (Kemenkeu) has announced improvements to its Core Administration System (CoreTax), including an updated XML file converter, version 1.5.This update follows public criticism after the DJP suggested taxpayers address technical issues by coding
themselves. The new converter aims to streamline tax reporting and address previous user concerns.
The official Instagram account @ditjenpajakri announced the update on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, stating, No need to code by yourself, use the updated XML Converter for smoother access to DJP’s Coretax.
This announcement signals a shift from the previous suggestion that taxpayers engage in coding to resolve technical problems.
List of Latest CoreTax Improvements
The latest version of the CoreTax system includes several key improvements designed to enhance user experience and ensure accurate tax reporting:
- Fixed date format on input return.
- added new parameters in the outgoing tax invoice to bridge XML imports on transaction code 07 with additional note 02.
- Changed the Microsoft Excel template of outgoing tax invoices to accommodate XML imports on transaction code 07 with additional note 02.
- Fixed column shift fill in CustomRefDoc.
Taxpayers who utilize the XML system for tax reporting can download the version 1.5 converter update through the official pajak.go.id website. The update is intended to ensure that tax reporting aligns with the latest applicable format.
According to @ditjenpajakri, the update serves as a refinement of the XML format to improve Value Added Tax (VAT) reporting performance.
This suggests a focus on enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of VAT reporting processes.
Backlash Over Previous Coding Suggestion
the recent update comes after the DJP’s Tax Circle service, @kringpajak, faced public criticism for suggesting taxpayers independently fix technical issues. On Friday, February 28, 2025, @kringpajak recommended using Notepad++ to edit XML files.
The suggestion, posted on X (formerly Twitter), advised users: Hey, Kak (informal address to someone)! We apologize for the inconvenience. For the technical issue,you can try using Notepad++.In the XML file, below the writing “” add “” okay, Kak.
This suggestion drew immediate negative responses from social media users, many of whom questioned why the Tax Office was not directly addressing the issue rather of providing technical solutions involving programming language.
Tax: pay by yourself, report by yourself, asked to code by yourself, asked to debug by yourself.
Account X @gl
we all wont to pay taxes, create tax deduction proofs and all things related to taxes. We are end users. We are not programmers or willing to learn coding. If there is an betterment, your programmers should fix it, rather of making it a case-by-case like this. Is this the Ministry of Finance or what?
@V
tempo’s observation on Monday, March 3, 2025, revealed that @kring_pajak’s post had been deleted. However, screenshots of the post continued to circulate on social media.
Secure it before it’s deleted.The tax office asks for coding XML. I never imagined XML and taxes would be in the same sentence.
@ard***
conclusion
The Directorate General of Tax’s update to the CoreTax system, specifically the XML converter version 1.5,represents a response to taxpayer concerns and criticisms. By providing a more user-kind solution, the DJP aims to streamline tax reporting and improve the overall experience for Indonesian taxpayers. The update addresses specific technical issues and eliminates the need for taxpayers to engage in coding, reflecting a commitment to simplifying the tax compliance process.
Indonesia’s CoreTax Overhaul: A Taxpayer’s Triumph or a Symptom of Deeper Issues?
Did you know that a simple request for taxpayers to use Notepad++ to fix a tax system error sparked a national outcry in Indonesia? This incident highlights the critical need for user-amiable government digital services and underscores the importance of effective digital tax governance. Let’s delve into the recent CoreTax system update with Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading expert in digital governance and public administration.
Senior Editor: Dr. Sharma, the Indonesian Directorate General of Tax (DJP) recently updated its CoreTax system following notable public backlash over a request for taxpayers to code their own solutions. Can you explain what happened and why it caused such a stir?
Dr. Anya Sharma: The incident surrounding the DJP’s suggestion that taxpayers use Notepad++ to edit XML files to resolve CoreTax issues reveals a critical disconnect between government agencies and their citizens in the digital age. Essentially, the DJP, attempting to manage complex tax reporting via CoreTax, asked technically untrained citizens to perform software debugging. This was completely unacceptable. It highlighted a basic flaw in the design and implementation of the CoreTax system—a lack of user-centricity. Taxpayers, already burdened by compliance requirements, were asked to overcome technical hurdles that were clearly the obligation of the system developers to fix promptly. The outrage was a necessary response to this unacceptable burden placed on citizens with no technical knowledge.
Senior Editor: The updated CoreTax system now includes an improved XML file converter, version 1.5. What are the key improvements, and how significant are they in addressing the underlying issues?
Dr. Anya Sharma: The release of the updated XML converter, version 1.5, is a positive step, providing a much-needed user-friendly solution. The stated improvements—addressing date formats, adding parameters to outgoing tax invoices, revising Excel templates, and fixing column shifts—directly address the technical issues that frustrated taxpayers. This shows a positive redirection, moving from demanding technically complex solutions from taxpayers to directly implementing technical solutions. The importance lies not only in the specific fixes but also in the symbolic shift; the government is showing recognition of its responsibility to provide user-friendly tools,not just policies.
Senior Editor: This incident raises broader questions about digital tax administration. What are the essential components of an effective and user-friendly digital tax system?
Dr.Anya Sharma: An effective digital tax system must integrate several key elements. Firstly, it requires a strong emphasis on intuitive user interfaces (UI) and straightforward user experiences (UX). The design should prioritize accessibility for all users regardless of their technical proficiency. Secondly, robust and reliable infrastructure is crucial to ensure the system is always available and secure. Thirdly, complete and readily-accessible support resources, like clear documentation, faqs, and multiple contact channels, are necessary to help users overcome challenges. Regular updates and maintenance, including proactive efforts to anticipate and resolve potential issues before they impact taxpayers, are essential for long-term success. The Indonesian CoreTax overhaul, while a step in the right direction, highlights the need for a holistic approach considering all these components.
Senior Editor: what recommendations would you offer to government agencies worldwide striving to improve their digital tax systems?
Dr. Anya Sharma: Here’s a list of actionable recommendations for public sector entities aiming towards better digital tax systems:
- Prioritize User-Centered Design: Invest heavily in UX/UI research and testing to create user-friendly systems.
- Embrace Agile Advancement: Adopt iterative development methodologies to adapt to user feedback and technological improvements rapidly.
- Enhance Openness and Dialog: Maintain open and clear channels of communication to address taxpayer concerns promptly.
- Invest in Cybersecurity: Protect taxpayer data vigorously by implementing top-tier security measures and regular audits.
- Promote Digital Literacy Training: Expand programs that empower taxpayers with the digital skills to engage successfully with digital tax systems.
Senior Editor: Thank you, Dr. Sharma, for these insightful perspectives. The Indonesian CoreTax update is a critical case study demonstrating the need for a truly user-centric approach to government digital services.What are your concluding thoughts?
Dr. Anya Sharma: The Indonesian CoreTax saga serves as a powerful cautionary tale, highlighting the pitfalls of neglecting user experience in the design and implementation of government digital services. The DJP’s response to public concerns, though, offers valuable lessons on the importance of adapting to user needs and evolving technology. The journey towards optimal digital tax administration requires continuous advancement, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment towards citizen-centricity. We encourage readers to share their experiences and thoughts on this critical issue in the comments below.
Indonesia’s CoreTax Debacle: A Wake-Up Call for Digital tax Governance worldwide?
Did you know a simple request for Indonesian taxpayers to use Notepad++ to fix a tax system error sparked a national crisis? This incident wasn’t just a minor technical glitch; it exposed deep-seated issues in digital government services and highlighted the crucial need for user-centric design in tax administration. To delve deeper into this pivotal moment and explore its broader implications for global digital tax governance, we spoke with Dr. Anya sharma, a leading expert in public administration and digital transformation.
Senior Editor: Dr. Sharma, the Indonesian Directorate General of Tax’s (DJP) request for citizens to debug their own tax software using Notepad++ caused widespread outrage. Can you explain what happened and why it resonated so deeply?
Dr. Anya Sharma: The DJP’s suggestion to use notepad++ to fix CoreTax XML file errors perfectly encapsulates the chasm between government agencies and citizens in the digital age. Essentially, the DJP— tasked with managing complex tax reporting through CoreTax—asked citizens with no programming expertise to perform software debugging. This was unacceptable and exposed a basic flaw in CoreTax’s design and rollout: a critical lack of user-centricity. Taxpayers, already burdened by compliance procedures, were expected to resolve technical issues that fell squarely within the duty of the system’s developers. The public outcry was a justified reaction to this unreasonable burden placed on non-technical citizens. The incident highlighted the risk of neglecting user experience in the design and growth phases of government digital services.
Senior Editor: The updated CoreTax system now boasts an improved XML converter (version 1.5). What are the significant improvements, and how effectively do they address the underlying problems?
Dr. Anya Sharma: the release of the updated XML converter is indeed a step forward, offering a much-needed user-friendly solution for taxpayers struggling with the CoreTax system. The specific improvements—such as fixing date format issues on input returns, adding parameters to outgoing tax invoices, changes to the Microsoft Excel template for improved XML compatibility and resolving column shifts in customrefdoc—directly address the technical pain points that fueled the public backlash. This shows a positive pivot, from expecting non-technical solutions from taxpayers to directly implementing user-friendly fixes. However, the importance goes beyond individual fixes; the update also holds immense symbolic weight; it demonstrates a commitment by the government agencies to providing user-friendly tax tools and services and acknowledging responsibility for their failures.
Senior Editor: This incident raises broader concerns about digital tax administration globally. What are the key components of a truly effective and user-friendly digital tax system?
Dr. Anya Sharma: an effective digital tax system must be built on several crucial pillars. First, and most importantly, there must be a strong emphasis on intuitive user interfaces (UI) and user experience (UX). Design must prioritize ease of use and accessibility for all users, nonetheless of their technical skills. Second, robust and reliable system infrastructure is essential to ensure accessibility, responsiveness, and data security.third, comprehensive and easily accessible support resources—such as detailed documentation, FAQs, tutorials, and multiple contact channels—must help users navigate the system efficiently. Fourth, ongoing updates and maintenance are crucial. Proactive issue resolution and adaptation to changing needs ensures a smooth and reliable experience for taxpayers.Indonesia’s CoreTax overhaul, while moving in the right direction, underscores the need for a holistic approach encompassing all these essential elements.
Senior Editor: What practical recommendations would you offer to government agencies worldwide looking to improve their digital tax systems?
dr. Anya Sharma: Government agencies worldwide should prioritize these key steps:
Prioritize User-Centered Design: Invest heavily in UX/UI research and testing to create truly user-friendly systems. This involves understanding user needs and incorporating feedback throughout the development process.
Embrace agile Development: Adopt iterative development methodologies to ensure responsiveness to user feedback and rapid adaptation to evolving technologies.
Foster Open Interaction: Maintain transparent and accessible communication channels to address user concerns and provide timely solutions.
Invest in Robust Cybersecurity: Robust data protection measures are paramount. this includes strong encryption, access control mechanisms, and regular security audits.
* Promote Digital Literacy: Offer programs and resources to equip citizens with the digital skills necessary to navigate digital tax systems effectively. This empowers users and facilitates smoother tax compliance.
Senior Editor: What are your concluding thoughts on the Indonesian CoreTax experience and its implications for global digital tax administration?
Dr. Anya Sharma: The Indonesian CoreTax incident serves as a stark warning against neglecting user experience in government digital services. The DJP’s reaction to public outcry and development of the improved CoreTax system, however, are valuable lessons on the importance of adaptation and responsiveness to public needs. The journey toward creating optimal digital tax administration is not a one-time project but an ongoing process demanding continued development,collaboration,and an unwavering commitment to citizens first.
We encourage you to share your insights and experiences with digital tax systems in the comments section below. Let’s foster a dialog that will improve the global digital tax landscape.