In a social media post published on Wednesday, she said the ostentatious display of wealth from officials in the ministry could tarnish the image of the reform-minded ministry.

"We condemn the lavish lifestyle shown by family members of the Finance Ministry's officials, which could erode trust toward the integrity of the Finance Ministry and create a negative impression toward other officials who have been honest and professional in their work," Sri Mulyani said in an Instagram post from her account @smindrawati.

The minister was responding to an assault case currently handled by the Jakarta Police involving the son of a high-ranking official in the Jakarta tax office.

The suspect, identified by police as Mario Dandy Satrio was alleged to have beaten a friend, who is currently receiving intensive treatment from serious injuries sustained during the incident.

Some witnesses in the incident posted their comments on social media pointing to the suspect's lavish lifestyle, including the fact that he was driving a Rubicon Jeep to get to the site of the assault.

In the same social media post, Sri Mulyani also condemned the alleged violence and said the Finance Ministry would cooperate with the police in the investigation of the case.

Sri Mulyani also said she would take disciplinary measures against officials committing corrupt practices.

"Public trust is essential and the foundation on which we carry out our duties. We need to maintain it and we should not make compromises," she said.

 

Troubled son of tax official

The South Jakarta Police have arrested Mario Dandy Satrio, the son of a Jakarta Tax Office official, and named him a suspect in an assault case that has exposed the lavish lifestyle of some tax officers in the country.

Mario was charged with aggravated assault and could be sentenced to five years in prison if found guilty, South Jakarta Police spokesperson Adj. Sr. Comr. Nurma Devi said on Thursday.

Nurma said that based on interviews with witnesses and the suspect, the assault was the result of a dispute between friends. The victim is now receiving intensive medical care.

The case has caused an uproar after revelations about the suspect's lavish lifestyle.

Witnesses said Mario drove a Rubicon Jeep SUV to the site of the assault. Some social media users have also found documentation suggesting the suspect’s strong interest in fast cars and big bikes.

On Thursday, Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Chill Qoumas called for a full and transparent investigation into the assault after learning that the victim was the son of a high-ranking member of Nahdlatul Ulama's (NU) youth wing, GP Ansor.

Yaqut served as chairman of GP Ansor before being appointed religious affairs minister in 2020.

"The son of a cadre is my son too. Please note that," Yaqut posted from his Twitter handle @YaqutCQoumas on Thursday.

Separately, GP Ansor issued a statement to condemn the assault and call for a thorough and impartial investigation.

"We call for justice in this case and don't want any intervention," GP Ansor said in a statement. 

The Tax Office has launched an internal investigation against Mario's father, identified as Rafael Alun Trisambodo, and the finance minister is expected to summon the tax official. 

"Currently, the Finance Ministry's inspector general is working with the compliance division of the Tax Office to summon the official for an investigation," Finance Ministry spokesperson Yustinus Prastowo said in a statement.