Journal of International Islamic Law, Human Right and Public Policy
Vol. 4 No. 3 (2026): September

A JURIDICAL REVIEW OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ECONOMIC PRESENCE AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR THE TRADITIONAL PERMANENT ESTABLISHMENT (PE) IN THE COLLECTION OF INCOME TAX FROM FOREIGN DIGITAL COMPANIES

Soeprijono (Universitas Islam Batik Surakarta)
Ismiyanto (Universitas Islam Batik Surakarta)
Hafid Zakariya (Universitas Islam Batik Surakarta)



Article Info

Publish Date
11 Jul 2026

Abstract

The acceleration of the digital economy has catalyzed cross-border business models that allow foreign digital enterprises to generate massive profits from domestic markets without any physical presence (scale without mass). This condition leads to the erosion of the tax base for market jurisdictions like Indonesia. This article normatively analyzes the transformation of tax law doctrines from the traditional Permanent Establishment (PE) concept based on physical nexus to the criteria of Significant Economic Presence (SEP). This research employs a normative legal research method with a statutory approach and a conceptual approach. The results indicate that the enactment of SEP in the Law on Harmonization of Tax Regulations (UU HPP) is a legitimate manifestation of fiscal sovereignty to reflect the modern economic value creation theory. However, its unilateral enforcement conflicts with international law, specifically Articles 26 and 27 of the 1969 Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (VCLT), as long as bilateral Tax Treaties have not been modified. As a pragmatic measure, Indonesia has deferred the execution of SEP-based Income Tax and shifted towards optimizing Digital VAT (PPN PMSE) to avoid global economic retaliation, such as Section 301 of the US Trade Act.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ojs

Publisher

Subject

Religion Law, Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice

Description

This journal emphasizes specifics in the discourse of Islamic Law and Humanity, as well as communicating actual and contemporary research and problems related to Islamic studies. This journal openly accepts contributions from experts from related scientific disciplines. All articles published do not ...