Profile of Robert Leonard Marbun, New Secretary General of the Ministry of Finance: Career Track Record and Assets
The position of Secretary General (Sekjen) at the Ministry of Finance now has a new figure. Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa officially inaugurated Robert Leonard Marbun to fill this strategic role on Friday (27/3). Robert replaces Heru Pambudi, who had served as Sekjen since March 2021. Based on Presidential Decree of the Republic of Indonesia Number 24/TPA of 2026, Robert now officially holds the significant responsibility to maintain bureaucratic efficiency and integrity within the Ministry of Finance.
Profile and Educational Background of Robert Leonard Marbun
Although newly appointed as Sekjen, Robert Leonard Marbun is actually a veteran in the Ministry of Finance. This man, born in Medan on 23 June 1970, has a long and illustrious career track record, particularly in the Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC).
Robert is known as an official with a strong educational background. He is an alumnus with a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Universitas Padjadjaran. Not satisfied with that, he travelled to Japan to further his studies. Robert earned a Master of Policy Analysis (MPA) from Saitama University in 2000 and completed a Doctor of Philosophy in Economics from Kobe University in 2004.
Career Journey from Analyst to Special Staff
Robert’s bureaucratic career began at the technical level as an analyst and legal reviewer. In June 2011, he was entrusted to become a Staff Reviewer in the Field of Supervision and Enforcement of Customs and Excise Law. His reliability in the field led Robert to hold the position of Head of the Sulawesi Regional Office of DJBC in October 2012.
His career steps continued to rise sharply. In April 2015, he served as Director of International Customs, which later evolved into Director of International and Inter-Agency Customs a year later.
He also gained cross-agency experience when appointed as Special Staff for Institutional Relations at the Ministry of Investment and Downstreaming or the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) since September 2020.
Assets of Robert Leonard Marbun
As a state official, Robert demonstrates compliance in reporting his assets to the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). Based on LHKPN data (State Organiser’s Wealth Report), his wealth has grown in line with the responsibilities he has undertaken:
2007: Reported initial assets as a state official amounting to Rp1.48 billion.
2008: Reported assets of Rp2.3 billion.
2011: Staff Reviewer in the Field of Supervision and Enforcement of Customs and Excise Law (DJBC) – Rp3.1 billion.
2012: Head of Sulawesi Regional Office DJBC – Rp3.67 billion.
2014: Head of Sulawesi Regional Office DJBC – Rp5.05 billion.
2015: Director of International Customs – Rp5.55 billion.
2016: Director of International and Inter-Agency Customs – Rp10.97 billion.
2017: Director of International and Inter-Agency Customs – Rp5.86 billion.
2018: Special Staff in the Field of State Revenue – Rp5.97 billion.
2019: Special Staff in the Field of State Revenue – Rp4.24 billion.
2020: Special Staff for Institutional Relations (BKPM) – Rp6.12 billion.
2021: Special Staff for Institutional Relations (BKPM) – Rp10.24 billion.
2022: Special Staff for Institutional Relations (BKPM) – Rp10.99 billion.
2023: Special Staff for Institutional Relations (BKPM) – Rp10.55 billion.
2024: Special Staff for Institutional Relations (Latest report) – Rp11.54 billion.
Now, serving as Secretary General of the Ministry of Finance, the challenges Robert faces will undoubtedly be greater. His long track record, from technical areas in Customs and Excise to strategic positions in the Ministry of Investment/BKPM, is expected to provide strong capital to strengthen national fiscal governance.
His presence in the Sekjen role brings new hope for creating a more professional, integrity-driven, and efficient bureaucracy to support Indonesia’s future economic growth.