The Directorate General of Taxes (DGT) is poised to investigate a significant number of taxpayers, specifically 282 entities, suspected of illicitly manipulating export data. This alleged manipulation involves the fraudulent misuse of labels such as Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) and fatty matter, a tactic exemplified by cases like that involving PT MMS. Such reporting practices are strongly suspected of being a form of underinvoicing, where the declared value of goods is significantly lower than their actual worth, thereby threatening to substantially erode state revenue.
“We have already reported this matter to the Minister of Finance. Following this, the 282 taxpayers engaged in similar export activities will be subjected to thorough examination and investigation, contingent upon the sufficiency of initial evidence,” stated Bimo Wijayanto, Director General of Taxes at the Ministry of Finance, during an interview at Tanjung Priok Port on Thursday (6/11).
Wijayanto emphasized the DGT’s commitment to fostering close cooperation and synergy with other law enforcement agencies. He highlighted that these actions are a direct follow-up to directives issued during a limited cabinet meeting led by President Prabowo Subianto and Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa, underscoring a unified government approach.
“This initiative is fundamentally about enhancing the governance of export and import operations to effectively curb underinvoicing schemes that inflict substantial financial harm upon the state, particularly concerning tax revenues,” Wijayanto further explained, reiterating the broader objective of these intensified efforts.
The DGT plans to engage actively across the entire supply chain. Upstream, it will collaborate with all members of the Forest Area Management Task Force (Satgas PKH). Downstream, the directorate will implement preventative measures to ensure that all exported goods are accurately declared and fully compliant with regulations, tackling the issue from multiple angles.
“Compliance is paramount, encompassing both the Export Declaration (PEB) and accurate tax record-keeping for all transactions,” Bimo asserted, stressing the critical importance of transparent and honest reporting at every stage.
From January to October 2025, a total of 25 taxpayers, including PT MMS, have already entered an advanced stage of scrutiny. Currently, the DGT of the Ministry of Finance is conducting a detailed preliminary evidence examination concerning PT MMS and three of its affiliated companies: PT LPMS, PT LPMT, and PT SUNN, indicating a focused and ongoing investigation into specific entities.
This rigorous examination aims to meticulously verify data accuracy, ensure the consistency of transaction values, and confirm adherence to all applicable tax obligations. Investigations suggest that a similar pattern of commodity reporting, specifically involving Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME), may have been ongoing for an extended period, spanning from 2021 to 2024.
The Directorate General of Taxes has identified 257 taxpayers who reported exports of POME, with the total value declared on their Export Declarations (PEB) amounting to a staggering Rp 45.9 trillion. This extensive case remains under active investigation by the DGT’s dedicated Law Enforcement Team, highlighting the scale of potential tax evasion.
Following the uncovering of this alleged illegal export modus, the Ministry of Industry has also pledged to conduct its own in-depth investigation into similar potential export activities. Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita confirmed that his ministry already has a specific list of companies under surveillance, indicating a coordinated government response to this widespread issue.
“We will be closely monitoring an additional 290 companies,” Agus revealed during the same occasion, signaling a broad expansion of oversight to prevent further illicit practices within the industry.
Agus confirmed that a comprehensive legal process will be initiated concerning the findings related to the alleged export of derivative products by PT MMS. Once the judicial process concludes, the government will then determine the appropriate course of action for any goods that have been detained or seized as part of the investigation.
“When these goods come under the control of the state, a subsequent process will certainly follow. Depending on the final court decision, they could either be auctioned off or transferred to State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN),” Agus elaborated, outlining the potential fates of assets recovered through these enforcement actions.
Summary
The Directorate General of Taxes (DGT) is investigating 282 taxpayers for alleged export data manipulation, specifically through underinvoicing of goods labeled as Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) and fatty matter. This scheme, exemplified by cases involving PT MMS and its affiliates, aims to declare significantly lower values, thereby threatening substantial state revenue. The DGT, in cooperation with other agencies and under presidential directives, is committed to enhancing export and import governance to combat these illicit practices.
A total of 257 taxpayers declared POME exports worth Rp 45.9 trillion from 2021 to 2024, indicating a widespread issue under active investigation. In a coordinated government response, the Ministry of Industry is also scrutinizing an additional 290 companies for similar potential export activities. Legal processes will be initiated for findings, and seized goods may be auctioned or transferred to State-Owned Enterprises based on court decisions.
