January 27, 2026 | 02:05 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia’s Finance Minister, Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa, has announced a sweeping overhaul of officials at the Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC), sparing only the Director General. The move aims to boost the agency’s performance and prevent leakage of state revenue.
Speaking at the Indonesia Fiscal Forum in Jakarta on January 27, 2026, Purbaya said he would replace most officials in the agency, with some being furloughed and others reassigned to new positions.
He described the changes as a “drastic surprise” intended to send a clear message to staff to work harder and more efficiently.
“Customs and Excise has talented employees, but they need a shock to improve performance,” Purbaya said, explaining that the overhaul is meant to motivate the workforce.
The revamp will include replacements at five major ports, key points in Indonesia’s trade system, as part of a broader effort to strengthen Customs operations.
Purbaya has previously warned that the agency’s poor public image could put it at risk of suspension. He said that if performance does not improve, responsibilities could temporarily be handed to Societe Generale de Surveillance (SGS), as happened during Indonesia’s New Order era.
“Because the threat is serious, if Customs and Excise cannot improve and public dissatisfaction continues, the agency could be suspended and replaced by SGS,” he said in November 2025.
The minister also outlined plans to modernize Customs operations using Artificial Intelligence (AI) at key stations.
This technology is intended to detect under-invoicing and other irregularities more quickly, helping safeguard Indonesia’s state revenue.
Read: Purbaya Attributes Rupiah Gain to More Than Thomas Djiwandono
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Indonesia Investigates 250 Tons of Allegedly Illegal Rice Imported via Sabang Port
25 November 2025
Indonesia has responded to the discovery of 250 tons of allegedly illegal rice, with Customs chief saying his agency did not authorize the import.
Today's Top 3 News: List of Goods to Be Declared to Customs Before Traveling Abroad
29 Maret 2024
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
