Pekanbaru City Seals 15 Billboards Over Unpaid Advertising Tax

The Pekanbaru Regional Revenue Office (Bapenda) in Riau sealed 15 billboards on Friday, 31 October 2025 because the owners had not paid advertising tax. The operation included three billboards belonging to a well‑known local mobile‑phone retailer.

Most of the billboard owners have been delinquent on advertising tax payments to the regional treasury since 2023, despite receiving formal notices and tax bills from Bapenda. Ari Supriyanto, Head of the Local Tax Division, said the sealing was intended to create a deterrent effect and enforce taxpayer compliance.

Bapenda indicated the seals will remain until the arrears are settled and that similar enforcement actions will continue if necessary, aiming to boost regional revenue. The measure is expected to encourage other taxpayers to fulfill their advertising tax obligations promptly.