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Jakarta, Indonesia – Indonesia’s newly appointed Director General of Taxes, Bimo Wijayanto, moved swiftly to reassure the public regarding data security following a recent regulation requiring 23 banks to report customer credit card transactions to the Directorate General of Taxes (DJP). The move, stemming from a new rule issued by Minister of Finance Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa, has raised concerns about the privacy of financial information, prompting a direct response from the nation’s top tax official.
Wijayanto affirmed that the DJP’s data management systems have undergone rigorous testing by multiple national agencies, including Komdigi and the Badan Siber dan Sandi Negara (BSSN), Indonesia’s national cyber and cryptography agency. “We have already undergone a review of personal data protection with Komdigi, as well as with BSSN to review the sovereignty and security of our data and systems,” Wijayanto stated during a media briefing on Thursday, March 5, 2026. The core principle of tax administration, he emphasized, is the protection of taxpayer data.
The new regulation, detailed in Peraturan Menteri Keuangan (PMK) Number 8 of 2026, mandates that various entities – including government institutions, associations, and other parties – submit tax-related data to the DJP. Specifically, the rule requires banks to report details of credit card transactions, including the identities of the issuing and acquiring banks, merchant information, transaction values, settlement amounts, and any cancelled transactions. The 23 banks mandated to comply include major financial institutions such as PT Bank Central Asia Tbk, PT Bank Negara Indonesia Persero Tbk, and PT Bank Mandiri Persero Tbk.
The move comes as the Indonesian government seeks to bolster tax revenue and improve compliance. Wijayanto explained that the DJP’s systems, including Coretax, have been subject to thorough security and data protection reviews. He further noted that the confidentiality of taxpayer information is legally enshrined in Article 34 of Indonesian tax regulations, obligating officials to maintain data secrecy. “This principle is ingrained in the development of DJP technology,” he said, adding that systems also undergo penetration testing by independent agencies.
Strengthening Data Security Measures
The DJP’s commitment to data security extends beyond internal reviews. Multiple agencies, including the Badan Intelijen Negara (BIN), Indonesia’s State Intelligence Agency, and the Badan Intelijen Strategis (BIS), Strategic Intelligence Agency, have been involved in assessing the DJP’s data protection protocols. This multi-layered approach aims to address potential vulnerabilities and ensure the integrity of taxpayer information.
The implementation of PMK 8/2026 reflects a broader effort to enhance transparency and accountability within Indonesia’s tax system. Minister of Finance Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa’s directive underscores the government’s focus on maximizing revenue collection and ensuring fair tax practices. This initiative also follows scrutiny from Fitch Ratings regarding Indonesia’s revenue performance, as reported by Kompas.com.
Bimo Wijayanto’s Background and Appointment
Bimo Wijayanto’s appointment as Director General of Taxes in May 2025 was directly mandated by President Prabowo Subianto, who tasked him with reforming the Indonesian tax system. Wijayanto brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously served as Senior Expert Staff at the Executive Office of the President and as Assistant Deputy for Strategic Investment at the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime and Investment Affairs. Detik.com reports that he was born on July 5, 1977, in Ngada, East Nusa Tenggara, and is an alumnus of SMA Taruna Nusantara, a prestigious boarding school.
His academic credentials include a Bachelor of Economics in Accounting from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) in 2000, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Queensland in Australia in 2005, and a Ph.D. In Economics from the University of Canberra in 2015. He also completed a postdoctoral program at Duke University in the United States. Wijayanto began his career as a civil servant at the Ministry of Finance in 2002.
Addressing Public Concerns
The DJP’s proactive communication regarding data security is a direct response to public concerns surrounding the new reporting requirements. The agency is emphasizing its commitment to safeguarding taxpayer information and ensuring compliance with data protection regulations. The implementation of PMK 8/2026 is expected to provide the DJP with greater visibility into financial transactions, potentially leading to increased tax revenue and improved tax compliance.
The government’s reliance on tax revenue is also being influenced by external economic factors, such as fluctuations in global oil prices. As Kompas.com reported, Minister Purbaya is also counting on domestic demand to offset the impact of rising oil prices.
The DJP is expected to provide further updates on the implementation of PMK 8/2026 and its impact on tax revenue in the coming months. The next key date for updates will be the release of the DJP’s quarterly revenue report, scheduled for release in June 2026. Readers can stay informed about these developments by visiting the official website of the Directorate General of Taxes at pajak.go.id.
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