JAKARTA, thekabarnews.com—Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has rejected an unverified TikTok allegation that linked him to the purported sale of a government position for Rp100 billion [about US$6 million].

Purbaya addressed the allegation during an induction ceremony for hundreds of Finance Ministry officials in Jakarta on Thursday, September 10.

He said the ministry bases rotations, transfers and promotions on professional assessments rather than payments or personal influence.

“Regarding these transfers, a claim has circulated on TikTok alleging that Mr. Purbaya collected Rp100 billion for a certain position. I do not understand where that allegation came from,” Purbaya said, as quoted by ANTARA.

The allegation circulated without publicly disclosed evidence. Purbaya said he contacted Finance Ministry Secretary-General Robert Leonard Marbun to check whether there was any basis for it.

“I asked him, and he said there was no such thing—it was only a rumor. The process is genuinely based on professional considerations,” Purbaya said.

He explained that the finance minister does not independently decide who receives a promotion.

Relevant unit leaders submit recommendations before the secretary-general reviews the candidates and senior ministry officials provide their assessments.

“I do not promote someone on my own. Someone makes the recommendation, the secretary-general conducts an assessment, and I ask every relevant echelon I official whether the person is suitable. Everyone takes part, although I speak with them separately,” he said.

Purbaya added that the individual consultations allow him to examine each candidate’s performance, professional history and suitability for the proposed position.

Reports on the ceremony said the appointments covered senior leadership, administrative and functional posts across the ministry.

The reshuffle involved hundreds of officials, including personnel within the Directorate General of Taxation (DJP).

The minister also used the ceremony to remind officials that integrity must remain central to personnel decisions and public service.

“There must be no compromise on integrity. A position is a responsibility, not a privilege. The higher your position, the greater your responsibility and the scrutiny you face,” Purbaya said.

No publicly available evidence had substantiated the Rp100 billion allegation when this article was prepared.

Purbaya’s denial places the ministry’s personnel procedures under public attention, particularly its commitment to transparent assessment and performance-based promotion.

The controversy also highlights the need for government institutions to respond promptly to unsupported social media allegations while making their appointment procedures clear enough for the public to scrutinize.