Tax office launches 74 crash programs to restore image

The Tax Directorate has launched 74-point plan to restore its image in the wake of the wide-ranging corruption scandal revolving around former low-level tax official Gayus H. Tambunan.

“The 74 crash programs are aimed at securing state revenue targets this year and to prepare for next year,” Tax Directorate director general Mochammad Tjiptardjo said on Saturday as quoted by Antara news agency.

Tjiptardjo, for example, said he had appeared on television three or four times a day to reassure the public after the scandal.

The directorate has also suspended officials involved in Gayus’ case and revised its rules to prevent future abuse, he said.

“Some 620 tax officials have been also penalized for misusing their authority,” Tjiptardjo added.

The directorate also developed a whistle-blower mechanism, accepted public complaints and followed up complaints quickly, he said.