Hensa Clarifies to Tax Office After Podcast Inviting Ferry Latuhihin

Political observer and founder of the KedaiKOPI survey institute, Hendri Satrio (Hensa), has provided clarification regarding his summons by the Directorate General of Taxes after featuring economist Ferry Latuhihin as a guest on his podcast.

The summons of Hensa was also related to a tax examination of Ferry Latuhihin.

In a statement in Jakarta on Wednesday, Hensa expressed appreciation for the performance and professionalism of the tax officials.

He said his decision to attend and comply with the summons was the most appropriate step. Hensa admitted he was impressed by the integrity of the officials, who worked purely based on their duties, without being influenced by the various public opinions circulating.

“I admired the Tax Directorate General officials yesterday. They did not go off on tangents. Very professional, focused on what was actually being sought. Regardless of the various controversies or polemics saying this was inappropriate just for Ferry Latuhihin, the tax officials did not speak like that at all. They simply did their job,” said Hensa.

Furthermore, he said the clarification process ran very efficiently. The examiners did not make things difficult at all and only asked questions centred on the core issues surrounding his podcast.

“They did not make it difficult, asking questions in line with the context and substance, and after that it was finished. What was actually asked was just one question. ‘Mas Hensa, when you invited Prof. Ferry Latuhihin, what did you give him? What was Prof. Ferry given? Was he given an honorarium?’ he said.

Responding to that question, Hensa transparently revealed the form of appreciation he gives to every guest on his podcast. He confirmed that the gift was not in the form of cash, but merely cookies or fruit.

“No, I gave two answers. First, I have never given money to Prof. Ferry. Due to limitations — I am a lecturer, after all. Our limitations. So we give him, all my guests have only two choices, fruit or cookies. I remember at that time, I gave Prof. Ferry cookies, worth at most Rp150,000,” he revealed.

According to him, the summons was a routine institutional matter that should be respected and need not be treated as a burden as long as nothing is being hidden.

“That is what I avoided, which is why I came. The tax officers are also just carrying out their obligations, so we should just come,” said Hensa.