Finance Minister Denies Tax Refund Quota

Menteri Keuangan (Finance Minister) Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has firmly refuted claims circulating about a quota system for the disbursement of tax refunds in Indonesia. Speaking at a press conference, Sadewa clarified that the process for returning excess tax payments to taxpayers remains operational and is proceeding as normal. This assertion aims to quell any public apprehension regarding the accessibility of these refunds.

While assuring that refunds are being processed, Sadewa highlighted the government's commitment to enhanced vigilance. He explained that increased caution in disbursing large refund amounts is a measure to prevent potential leakages and ensure that funds are correctly allocated. This careful approach is necessary given suspicions of irregularities in some high-value refund claims. Nevertheless, he reiterated that legitimate claims from eligible taxpayers continue to be processed without hindrance.

Minister Sadewa also provided an optimistic outlook on tax revenue collection. As of April 2026, tax revenues have seen a significant increase of 16.1% compared to the same period last year, reaching Rp646.3 trillion. This growth is attributed to strong performance in personal income tax and VAT. The target for refund disbursements this year is set at over Rp480 trillion, surpassing last year's Rp360 trillion, indicating a robust economic activity and efficient tax administration, albeit with a continued emphasis on verification to maintain fiscal integrity.

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I don't know if it's a real restitution or if there's collusion. I have asked the Director General of Taxes (Bimo Wijayanto) to re-examine it, but it's not stopping and it's still going on.