OPTIMIZING THE UTILIZATION OF EXCISE REVENUE SHARING FUND FOR TOBACCO PRODUCT BY IMPLEMENTING INTERNET SAATHI PROGRAM TO AMPLIFY INCLUSIVE DIGITAL ECONOMY

Abstract

The Indonesian Excise Law mandates the existence of the Tobacco Excise Revenue Sharing Fund (DBHCHT) as part of the Transfer Fund to the Regions which is distributed to each province that contributes to tobacco excise revenue (PMK-215/PMK.07/2021 concerning DBH CHT). DBH CHT has been regulated to improve the quality of raw materials, foster the tobacco product industry, foster social environment, socialize excise regulations and eradicate illegal excisable goods. However, its utilization is often constrained by inefficiency and improper allocation. The Saathi Internet program, developed in India, has successfully empowered women in rural areas with digital literacy programs and internet skills knowledge, leading to increased socio-economic development. This paper was created with the aim of analyzing the utilization of DBH CHT, and proposing the adaptation and implementation of the Saathi Internet program in Indonesia, and evaluating its potential and impact in encouraging an inclusive digital economy, especially among women, to contribute to the vision of Golden Indonesia 2045. The study in this paper uses a descriptive qualitative method by utilizing a comprehensive literature review with a study study on the use of DBH CHT and the Sakhi Internet program, as well as highlighting the successes and challenges that will be faced. Data collection on the allocation of DBH CHT and its use in Indonesia, provides an overview of current practices and identifies weaknesses that can be overcome by the Internet Saathi program. A comparative analysis of the program's impact in India can also project its feasibility and potential success in Indonesia. The implementation of the proposed program includes strategic planning, program design, and implementation. Thus, economic benefits in rural areas are expected to be felt, such as increasing digital literacy, increasing entrepreneurship, and creating jobs. This paper also provides a solution, namely by implementing a deep risk mitigation strategy to overcome these problems, with collaborative efforts from all parties, namely the government, the private sector, NGOs, and community participation to support the proposed program, to have a transformative impact on socio-economic life in Indonesia.