JAKARTA (Yosefardi) – The government of Indonesia targets tax collection or revenue to reach 52% in the second half of this year, though the tax shortfall is also projected to amount Rp120 trillion.

Finance minister Bambang Brodjonegoro said the tax revenue has reached 40% target in the first half (Rp1,296.4 trillion).  Bambang is also optimistic that revenues from oil and gas, as well as duty, would surpass the target.

Bambang added the tax collection is believed to reach 91% of target this year, supporting by the application of electronic payment (e-faktur) for value-added tax since first of July. Therefore, the budget deficit is expected to increase to 2.2%.