President Joko Widodo has reportedly approved a proposal from Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati to appoint Pakpahan, who will assume the role on December 1.
Pakpahan, who is currently the director general of budget financing and risk management, has spent his entire career at the tax office.
“In my opinion, [Robert] is moderate and calm,” Yustinus Prastowo, executive director of the Center for Indonesia Taxation Analysis, told the Jakarta Post. “It is an indication that the tax office will have a softer approach.”
Indonesia is undergoing a series of tax reforms and improving the capacity of its tax authority, and wants to create a cooperative relationship with businesses. Pakpahan’s role, therefore, will be crucial.
