USU PR – The Lake Toba Community Committee (Komite Masyarakat Danau Toba/KMDT), in collaboration with Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), held a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) themed “Outlook on Tax Administration and Policy for 2026” on Monday (December 15, 2025) at the Theater and Meeting Room of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) USU. This activity formed part of the strategic collaboration between KMDT and USU in supporting public policy development and enhancing tax literacy in North Sumatra.

The Dean of FISIP USU, Dr. Hatta Ridho, S.Sos., MSP, stated that collaboration among academics, the government, and various stakeholders is highly necessary to strengthen fiscal policy direction and regional economic development.

“Collaboration among academics, the government, and various stakeholders is key to strengthening fiscal policy direction and driving sustainable economic development in North Sumatra,” said Dr. Hatta.

He assessed that KMDT serves as a forum bringing together experts from various fields who can encourage economic self-reliance, including through the development of the tourism sector as well as the construction of physical and social infrastructure based on cultural diversity.

The Chairperson of the KMDT DPR, St. Edison Manurung, S.H., M.M., added that North Sumatra holds a strategic position in the formulation of Indonesia’s 2026 Tax Outlook. According to him, future development challenges require comprehensive intellectual contributions so that the tax system can sustainably support national programs.

“North Sumatra plays an important role in contributing ideas to the future direction of national tax policy, especially in facing increasingly complex development challenges,” he stated.

On the same occasion, KMDT also distributed social assistance funded through independent donations as a manifestation of care and the organization’s spirit of mutual cooperation.

Meanwhile, the Chair of the FGD Organizing Committee, Prof. Dr. Iskandar Zulkarnain, M.Si., emphasized that taxes remain the main pillar of national development. He expressed hope that this forum would enhance public understanding of tax obligations while also producing fair and sustainable policy recommendations through collective support from all relevant parties.

“Tax issues are strategic matters that greatly determine the sustainability of national development; therefore, shared understanding and commitment from all parties are needed to build a fair and sustainable tax system,” said Prof. Iskandar Zulkarnain.