Jakarta. Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa on Thursday warned tax officials to uphold integrity and avoid corruption, saying violations could lead to severe sanctions, including reassignment to remote regions or dismissal.

Purbaya said the warning was issued as the government faces a challenging state revenue target of Rp 3,153.6  trillion ($187 billion) this year, with tax revenue expected to contribute Rp 2,693.7 trillion.

He made the remarks while addressing tax officials at the North Jakarta Tax Office, where three senior staff members were arrested earlier this month by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) on allegations of accepting bribes worth billions of rupiah.

“One individual’s misconduct can undermine the work of thousands of others,” Purbaya said. “Tax officials who abuse their authority will face tough sanctions, ranging from transfer to remote areas to dismissal, depending on the severity of the violation.”

He said corruption often stems from lifestyle pressures combined with weak oversight, and is frequently accompanied by attempts to justify wrongdoing.

“This is the most dangerous part,” Purbaya said. “For example, when illicit money is used for religious pilgrimages such as umrah or the hajj under the assumption that God will forgive the act. That is a dangerous form of justification.”

Purbaya stressed that officials who perform their duties honestly and with integrity should have no reason to fear.

“We have direct support from the president, so you do not need to be afraid,” he said.

During his visit, Purbaya also inaugurated new officials to replace those arrested by the KPK, as part of efforts to restore public trust and reinforce discipline within the tax administration.