Arnoldus Kristianus, Jakarta – Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati on Thursday directed the tax directorate to launch an internal investigation following reports of a data breach affecting around 6 million taxpayers, including President Joko Widodo and other top state officials.

The alleged stolen data is being offered for sale on a dark web marketplace by a hacker known as Bjorka, priced at $10,000.

"I have instructed the Director General of Taxes and all Finance Ministry officials to thoroughly evaluate the situation," Sri Mulyani said at the legislature compound in Jakarta.

Taxation Director General Suryo Utomo declined to comment further until the investigation is completed.

"The minister has issued an order, so we will conduct a thorough inquiry first before providing any updates," Suryo said.

This data breach follows a similar incident two years ago, when the same hacker claimed to have accessed sensitive government information, including President Joko Widodo's online communications.

Bjorka has previously leaked personal data of several high-ranking officials, including former Communication and IT Minister Johnny Plate and Chief Investment Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan. The leaked records included cellphone numbers, citizenship identification numbers, and Covid-19 vaccination statuses.

In one post, Bjorka claimed to have breached the president's correspondence and gained access to letters from the State Intelligence Agency (BIN) addressed to President Widodo, dated between 2019 and 2021.

The intelligence agency has denied these claims, stating that its communication with the president remains secure.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/sri-mulyani-orders-investigation-into-taxpayer-data-breac