North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution’s Bold Move: Rebukes Aceh-Plated Vehicle, Sparks Debate on Tax Compliance and Inter-Provincial Tensions

 

CNEWS, Medan, September 28, 2025  – North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution has once again captured national attention after a video of him stopping an Aceh-plated vehicle (BL) during a surprise roadside inspection went viral on social media. The Governor personally reprimanded the driver, insisting that taxes must be paid in North Sumatra rather than the vehicle’s province of origin.

“Vehicles operating in North Sumatra must comply with North Sumatra’s tax regulations. Change your plate right now,” Bobby declared on Sunday (28/9), as journalists, police, and bystanders witnessed the moment.

The Context of Vehicle Taxation

The Motor Vehicle Tax (PKB) is a critical source of Regional Original Revenue (PAD), managed by the Regional Revenue Agency (Bapenda). It is governed by Law No. 28/2009 on Regional Taxes and Levies, and reinforced by the Law on Central–Regional Fiscal Relations (Law No. 1/2022).

In principle, vehicle tax must be paid in the province where the vehicle is permanently operated. This means vehicles with plates from other provinces—such as Aceh’s BL—must undergo registration transfer and pay taxes in North Sumatra if they are used daily in the province.

Failure to comply not only undermines fairness but also causes significant revenue leakage, often reaching hundreds of billions of rupiah annually.

Support and Criticism: Firm Leadership or Unnecessary Provocation?

Bobby’s move has drawn mixed reactions:

• Supporters view it as a strong stance to enforce compliance and secure much-needed regional revenue.
• Critics argue that Bobby’s blunt approach in public may fuel inter-provincial tensions.

The backlash was particularly fierce on social media, especially from Aceh residents. Many accused the Governor of discrimination, pointing out that vehicles with Medan plates (BK) travel freely into Aceh without facing similar scrutiny.

One viral comment hit back sharply:

“Alright then, Governor, tell all Medan people working in Aceh to switch to BL plates too. There are so many BK plates in Aceh!”

 

More than 150 users amplified this sentiment online, with many condemning Bobby’s stance as unfair and potentially stoking regional hostility.

Observers have also speculated on a political undertone, noting that the incident comes just ahead of the 2025 local elections. Some analysts warned that Bobby might be “playing with fire,” given the historically sensitive ties between Aceh and North Sumatra.

The Fiscal Impact

According to Bapenda North Sumatra, tax revenue leakage due to vehicles using out-of-province plates without transfer procedures can reach hundreds of billions of rupiah per year.

The problem is particularly prevalent among luxury cars and corporate fleets, which often exploit out-of-province registration to dodge progressive tax rates.

The result is fiscal injustice: North Sumatra bears the cost of road damage caused by these vehicles, while the tax revenue flows elsewhere.

Educational Takeaways for the Public

This controversy serves as an important reminder for motorists:

1. Vehicle registration transfer is mandatory if a car relocates or operates permanently in another province.
2. The transfer process is straightforward—owners can complete it at the destination Samsat (licensing office) without returning to the province of origin.
3. Benefits of transfer: legal clarity, avoidance of fines or legal issues, and contribution to local development through taxes.

Exclusive: What Comes Next

Sources within the North Sumatra administration revealed that, following the viral incident, Bobby has instructed Bapenda and the police to intensify joint enforcement operations targeting out-of-province vehicles operating in North Sumatra without proper registration transfer.

Plans are also being discussed to impose progressive penalties on vehicle owners who deliberately avoid transfers to escape higher taxes.

“This is not about Aceh or any specific province. It’s about fiscal justice. If North Sumatra’s roads are being used, then the taxes must flow to North Sumatra,” a senior provincial official told media on condition of anonymity.

Conclusion

Governor Bobby Nasution’s direct, hands-on style once again sets him apart as a decisive leader. Yet his uncompromising rhetoric may prove a double-edged sword: boosting his populist appeal while also risking inter-provincial discord.

The central question now is whether his administration will follow through with systematic reforms and broad public education campaigns, or if this incident will remain just another fleeting viral moment in Indonesian politics. ( RI.CN)