Jakarta. Indonesia’s anti-corruption agency arrested several people in separate operations in Jakarta and Banjarmasin on Wednesday, as authorities investigate alleged bribery involving tax and customs officials.
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) confirmed that several customs officials are currently being questioned, though investigators declined to provide further details.
“At this time, KPK investigators are examining Customs officials. The Customs Office has committed to cooperating fully and respecting the legal process. We are still monitoring developments,” KPK spokesman Budi Prasetyo said in a written statement.
Earlier in the day, at least three people were arrested during an operation at the Banjarmasin Tax Service Office in South Kalimantan.
KPK Deputy Chairman Fitroh Rohcahyanto said the arrests were linked to an investigation into alleged abuse of tax refund claims, but also declined to elaborate. The three suspects were reported to be en route to Jakarta for questioning at the KPK headquarters.
Wednesday’s actions mark the second series of arrests targeting tax officials so far this year.
Last month, three officials at the North Jakarta Tax Service Office were detained on allegations of accepting bribes from a mining company in exchange for reducing the firm’s tax liabilities.
The latest operations underscore intensified scrutiny of Indonesia’s tax and customs institutions, as authorities seek to restore public confidence and tighten enforcement against corruption in revenue-collecting agencies. Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has pledged to announce a major shakeup in the Taxation Directorate later this week as part of the ongoing reform.
Tags:
Keywords:
