Fair Taxes, Better Revenue: A Case Study on Spatial Approaches to Land Taxation in Lebak Regency, Indonesia

Land taxation, mainly the Land and Building Tax (LBT), is a critical revenue source for local governments in Indonesia, yet its contribution remains suboptimal due to inefficiencies in assessment and administration. This study focuses on the Lebak Regency to optimize the Sales Value of Taxable Objects (SVTO) assessment, a key determinant of LBT revenue. Using spatial analysis, Land Value Zones (LVZ), and socio-economic data, the research evaluates assessment ratios to identify discrepancies between SVTO and market values. Adjustments to SVTO are proposed based on spatial patterns, such as land use and infrastructure, and the Index of Developing Villages (IDV). Findings reveal significant disparities between assessed and market values, with assessment ratios ranging from 1% to 267%. Simulations indicate potential LBT revenue of IDR 224.7 billion under full compliance, compared to IDR 44.22 billion, the 2024 target. Adjustments based on spatial patterns from land use planning and village development indices enhance equity and accuracy in tax assessments, optimizing local revenues. Despite these improvements, the study’s limitations lie in the lack of community validation for the proposed methodology, which is essential to confirm its practicality and acceptance. Future research should address this gap and explore household-level dynamics, including tax affordability and spending patterns, to enhance policy inclusivity and align taxation systems with local socio-economic realities.