"Certainly I am very disappointed with what the official has done when we are all in the process of rebuilding the public trust in the taxation institution through tax amnesty," Sri Mulyani said.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati expressed disappointment with a tax official HS allegedly accepting bribe when the Taxation Directorate General is seeking to rebuild the public confidence in the institution.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) on Monday night caught red handed HS accepting Rp1.9 billion in bribe from a businessman RRN.

"Certainly I am very disappointed with what the official has done when we are all in the process of rebuilding the public trust in the taxation institution through tax amnesty," Sri Mulyani said in a news conference here on Tuesday.

She said HS has betrayed the principles and good management system, and trust, which have been the values tried to be adopted by the finance ministry.

"This is an act of betrayal to his colleagues and that seriously damages the public confidence in the institution. As said by the KPK leader most employees of the Taxation Directorate General have strong commitment to building the public trust to direct them into paying tax obligation to the state.

"What HS had done badly hurts and disappoints every one in the taxation directorate general including me as the finance minister," she said.

KPK chairman Agus Rahardjo said the agency arrested seven persons including RRN, Director of PT EK Prima Ekspor Indonesia (EKP) and three of his staff, and HS and his driver and adjutant.

RRN handed over the bribe money US$148,500 or around Rp1.9 billion in his house in Springhill Residences in Kemayoran, Jakarta to Handang at 20.00 local time.

KPK grabbed Handang, his driver and adjutant when they were about to leave that place. The KPK officers then enter the house and arrested RRN.

The two staff of RRN were picked up from their respective houses in Pamulang, South Tangerang and Pulomas, East Jakarta.

Agus said the money received by HS was believed to be related to a number of tax problems faced by PT EKP including its tax obligation of Rp78 billion.

After investigations 24 hours following the arrest, KPK named Handang and Rajamohanan as suspects.

HS, if found guilty is facing a jail term of up to 20 years with a fine of up to Rp1 billion and Rajamohanan could be sentenced to a maximum 5 years imprisonment with a fine of up to Rp50 million. (*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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