Bimo Wijayanto: Indonesia’s New Director General of Taxes
On May 20, 2025, President Prabowo Subianto officially appointed Bimo Wijayanto as the new Director General of Taxes (Dirjen Pajak), replacing Suryo Utomo. This leadership change is part of Prabowo’s broader effort to strengthen Indonesia’s fiscal institutions and improve state revenue collection. Alongside Bimo, Lieutenant General Djaka Budi Utama was also appointed as Director General of Customs and Excise.
Why Bimo Wijayanto? A Reform-Focused Choice
Bimo Wijayanto isn’t a stranger to public policy. He brings a unique blend of academic depth and real-world experience in public policy and economics. His appointment signals a clear direction: serious tax reform. With a strong background in data-driven policy and a history of working behind the scenes on economic strategy, Bimo is expected to lead efforts in digitalizing the tax system, improving compliance, and rebuilding public trust.
From Taruna Nusantara to Top Tax Official
Bimo’s journey started at SMA Taruna Nusantara, one of Indonesia’s most prestigious high schools. He earned his accounting degree from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), followed by an MBA in finance and accounting from the University of Queensland, Australia. Later, he completed a Ph.D. in economics at the University of Canberra, focusing on Indonesia’s personal income tax system. He even received the Hadi Soesastro Prize, which allowed him to conduct postdoctoral research in Australia.
Working Behind the Scenes in Indonesia’s Economic Policy
Over the years, Bimo has worked quietly but powerfully across different parts of the government. He’s been a senior analyst at the Directorate General of Taxes, an expert staff member in the Presidential Staff Office, and a key figure in both the Maritime Affairs Ministry (under Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan) and the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs (under Airlangga Hartanto). In short, he’s been close to some of the country’s most important economic decision-making.
What to Expect From Bimo Wijayanto’s Leadership
As he takes the lead, Bimo will face challenges like increasing tax compliance, modernizing systems, and simplifying tax regulations. His academic and policy background gives him a strong foundation to deliver the kind of reforms Indonesia’s tax system needs. For businesses, expats, and citizens alike, this could mean a more transparent, fair, and efficient tax experience in the years to come.
Sources: CNBC Indonesia, Kontan, Detik Finance. Featured Image
