Government Delays Sugar‑Sweetened Beverage Tax, Awaits Right

JAKARTA, Oct 15, 2025 – Indonesia’s Ministry of Finance has postponed the rollout of the sugar‑sweetened beverage tax (MBDK). Director‑General of Customs Djaka Budhi Utama said the decision follows an assessment of the domestic economic situation.

Technical regulations for the MBDK are being drafted, but the government says several economic factors must be weighed first. Director‑General of Economic and Fiscal Strategy Febrio Kacaribu noted the current priority is accelerating domestic consumption and growth through 2026. The measure was first announced in 2020, and a revenue target of Rp3.8 trillion remains in the 2025 budget.

The delay underscores the administration’s focus on economic recovery over new tax burdens. If conditions improve, the MBDK could be introduced, affecting beverage producers and consumers later.