Special Presidential Envoy, who is also a younger brother of President Prabowo Subianto, Hashim Djojohadikusumo, has revealed that the president is mulling over to establish a Ministry of State Revenue as part of an effort to improve the state revenue system.
“This ministry [of state revenue] is tasked with improving the taxation and excise systems, as well as overcoming budget leaks,” Hashim told the 2024 National Leadership Meeting of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) in Jakarta, on Sunday, December 1, 2024.
He cited that this ministry will focus on optimizing state revenues, including royalties from the mining sector and protecting other state resources.
“There are many programs that are being prepared and will be implemented to stop budget leaks and increase efficiency,” he said.
Hashim also revealed that Anggito Abimanyu, who currently serves as Deputy Minister of Finance, is projected to be the first Minister of State Revenue.
“I think his position as deputy minister is temporary. Later, he [Anggito] will be appointed as Minister of State Revenue to handle taxes, excise, and other state revenues,” he said.
If realized, the establishment of the Ministry of State Revenue will add new nomenclature to the cabinet and bring significant changes to the management of state revenues. This step is considered in line with President Prabowo’s vision to increase Indonesia’s economic independence through optimization of state revenues.
However, this discourse has raised questions regarding the structure and authority of the new ministry, considering that the task of managing state revenues is currently under the Ministry of Finance. The government has not made an official statement regarding the timing and process of establishing this ministry.
This measure will be a major concern for the public and economic actors, especially in regards with transparency and accountability in the state revenue system in the future.
