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

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 of the economy and the haze crisis.

“Turns out sanitary pads are subject to VAT. Not a tax-free product, even though it’s a primary biological necessity for women. Sad, right? So if you girls are asked what your contribution to this country is, just share this data,” a social media user wrote in a viral post on October 25, the first day of the protests.