Paying Taxes with Bamboo Piggybanks

Local residents of Pesanggrahan village, Cilacap, had a tradition of saving money in bamboo, with a length of around 20-30 centimeters. The residents are told to save money for a year to pay the property tax.

Kompas/Megandika Wicaksono

Residents take part in bamboo piggybank carnival in Pesanggrahan village, Kroya, Cilacap, Central Java, on Monday (19/2). Bobok bumbung or cracking open bamboo piggybank was made into a cultural event and a form of land and building tax payment.

For many people, the activities related to paying taxes can be annoying and burdensome. Not for residents of Pesanggrahan village in Kroya district, Cilacap, Central Java. They pay their taxes with enthusiasm.

The sun was rather sweltering. It was around 1 p.m. on Monday (19/2). Hundred of residents clad in Javanese attire were ready. They lined up next to the village office. The cucuk lampah team, or the opening team, in the front consisted of good-looking youngsters.