"I will deliver a rather drastic, unexpected blow to the Customs and Excise office within several days—well, maybe tomorrow. My plan is to replace all officials other than the director general," he said at the Indonesia Fiscal Forum 2026 in Jakarta on Tuesday.
He added that the structural reform will target leaders of the ministry’s regional offices and officials at five of Indonesia’s major ports. “These officials will face furloughs,” he said.
The minister stressed that such a measure is necessary to push the directorate general to intensify efforts to curb leaks in state revenue, underscoring his commitment to meeting this year’s tax revenue target.
“This policy serves as a message urging colleagues at the Customs and Excise Directorate General to work more seriously going forward,” Purbaya said.
Despite the punitive nature of the reshuffle, the state treasurer acknowledged that the directorate general is actually staffed by reliable and capable personnel, though they require encouragement to perform at their best.
Responding to a question about replacements for the removed officials, Purbaya said the entire process will be handled internally within the directorate general, noting the risk of lengthy adaptation for figures brought in from outside units.
“The reform will involve promotions of younger or junior officials,” he said. “In short, I am determined to suspend several officials from duty.”
Without elaborating, Purbaya also indicated the possibility of restructuring the Directorate General of Tax.
Related news: Purbaya notes progress at Indonesian Customs amid suspension threat
Related news: President's service reform reflected in All Indonesia app: Govt
Related news: Indonesian customs confiscates 5.6 tons of drugs in 2023
Translator: Bayu Saputra, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2026
