The Importance of Young Generation's Awareness to Understand Taxes from an Early Age
Tax awareness built from a young age produces adult taxpayers who are more disciplined and more trusting of the system. Unfortunately, tax education is still rarely a formal part of school curriculum in Indonesia — even though the younger generation will soon be the dominant economic actors.
Why early awareness matters
First, the current young generation is the first to enter the workforce in a digital era — many work as freelancers, content creators, or online business operators. Without solid tax understanding, they risk compliance problems as soon as their economic profile becomes visible to the system.
Second, young people influence their parents. A child who understands tax often becomes the first source of education for the family — including for owners of family businesses who've long postponed compliance.
Third, perception of tax is shaped from a young age. If young people feel tax is a "burden" with no visible benefit, building a long-term compliance culture is hard. If they understand the tax–infrastructure–public-service link, their attitude is much more constructive.
What can be done
In schools
Basic economics and tax modules can enter junior- and senior-high curricula. Doesn't need to be complex — just explaining what income tax and VAT are, why we pay, and how that links to the state budget.
In universities
For students, especially in business and economics, applied tax modules are valuable. Tax consultants can participate as guest lecturers to bridge theory and practice.
At home
Parents can include children in age-appropriate household financial discussions — including the tax paid from a parent's income, and where that tax goes.
The profession's contribution
Tax consultants — especially in Bali's communal society — have room to contribute: workshops for youth communities, collaboration with local universities, and educational social-media content. Building a tax-aware generation is a long-term investment whose returns flow back to the profession and the state.