TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Finance Minister Sri Mulyani’s special staffer for strategic communications, Yustinus Prastowo, responded to the call voiced by former chair of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Said Aqil, of not to pay taxes if a tax official Rafael Alun Trisambodo (RAT) is proven to have committed tax fraud.

The call was made in the aftermath of the assault case by RAT’s son, Mario Dandy Satrio, against the son of an administrator of GP Ansor, NU’s youth wing.

“We respect that opinion. The Finance Ministry deeply respects the ongoing legal process and upholds the integrity of all employees,” Prastowo told Tempo on Wednesday, March 1.

He emphasized that the ministry adheres to the principles of accountability, credibility, and transparency both during working, serving the public, and in social life. He underlined that the RAT case is considered the main lesson and improvement in terms of internal control and performance.

However, Prastowo explained that paying taxes is a principle of mutual cooperation for the state. “We all know that with taxes, the country's development can run optimally and provide social protection for all Indonesian people. This is no exception during the COVID-19 pandemic and the rising risks of global economic challenges ahead,” he explained.

Prastowo stated that the ministry would keep improving the system and employee supervision, including maintaining high integrity and being firm in supporting the legal process.

As widely reported, Said Aqil called on the public, especially NU members, not to pay taxes if RAT is proven to have committed tax fraud. He said the assault case of RAT's son reminded him of the Gayus Tambunan case.

“The ulema has decided that if tax money is kept being misused, NU will take a firm stance; NU members must not have to pay taxes,” Said Aqil remarked in a video on his personal Instagram, Tuesday, February 28.

RIRI RAHAYU | AMELIA RAHIMA SARI

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