Indonesia under mounting pressure to scrap VAT on sanitary pads amid rising living costs

AI Summary

Critics in Indonesia are urging the government to remove the 11% VAT on sanitary pads and other menstrual hygiene products, arguing it disproportionately burdens low-income women. The debate has intensified amid rising living costs and public protests in Jakarta over the government’s response.

The Indonesian government is facing mounting pressure to scrap the value-added tax (VAT) on sanitary pads and other menstrual hygiene products, with critics arguing it adds to the financial burden for women from low-income families already struggling to buy basic necessities. While the 11 per cent tax on such products is not new, the issue has gained traction amid public anger over rising living costs. Students took to the streets of Jakarta last week to protest against the government’s handling...