Indonesia’s Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa recently expressed surprise after learning from the Attorney General that some officials in the tax and customs sectors might have enjoyed immunity from prosecution. This issue surfaced in a meeting with Attorney General ST Burhanuddin, who directly questioned whether staff from the Directorate General of Taxes (DJP) and the Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC) could be legally processed if they broke the law.
Purbaya immediately clarified his position, emphasizing that every Indonesian citizen, including tax and customs employees, must be treated equally under the law. During the discussion, the Attorney General reportedly asked, “What if tax or customs officers are involved in legal cases, can they be brought to justice?” Purbaya asserted that people should simply be prosecuted according to their guilt, and that all citizens are equal before the law.
Allegations of Legal Protection for Tax and Customs Employees
From the Attorney General’s viewpoint, past practices indicated that some tax and customs officials received protection from higher authorities if implicated in legal violations. This protection was often justified on the grounds that prosecuting these officials could threaten national stability. Burhanuddin explained that this intervention frequently led to reluctance in the legal process against certain employees.
Purbaya revealed this kind of protection as a problematic legacy that incentivized wrongdoing, stating, “It’s not only a moral hazard but also gives an incentive for people to commit violations.” According to his statements, this culture of selective protection fostered a sense of impunity, undermining public trust in government institutions and the justice system.
Firm Stand Against Unlawful Behavior
Purbaya has officially declared there will be no protection for civil servants in his ministry who are involved in legal transgressions. He urged honest employees to continue their duties without fear. However, he also warned that any official found in violation of the law will not be shielded.
"If you’re a good and honest officer, keep up the good work without worry. Those involved in shady activities should be afraid now because I will not protect them. But if they haven’t done anything wrong, I will defend them fully," he said.
Recent Actions Against Violators
Purbaya provided specific data to reinforce his commitment to law enforcement. He disclosed that he had already fired 26 tax officials for colluding with taxpayers to manipulate tax payments. He described how these individuals negotiated with taxpayers to reduce the government’s take, then split the illicit gains.
This action marks a shift in handling violations, with administrative and legal processes carried out more transparently. Officials who break the law by abusing their authority or accepting unauthorized payments are subject to internal investigations and face both dismissal and legal action.
Implications for National Stability and Public Trust
The removal of legal protection for certain government officials is seen as an effort to improve transparency and integrity in state revenue institutions. The Finance Ministry hopes these steps will restore public confidence and reinforce that legal equality applies to all civil servants.
Oversight agencies and the public have been urged to monitor these processes closely. Ensuring accountability for misconduct is expected to create a deterrent effect and encourage a clean, performance-based bureaucracy. Purbaya’s message is clear: honest public servants will be supported, while wrongdoers must be prepared for the legal consequences of their actions.
