Celebrating International Women’s Day 2025 with Ibu Irene Salaki

On March 8, 2025, the world celebrated International Women’s Day, a momentous occasion to honour the contributions and achievements of women in various fields. In this special moment, we had the privilege of interviewing Ibu Irene Salaki, a renowned tax consultant and Managing Partner at Salaki & Salaki.

With decades of experience in the tax industry in Indonesia, Ibu Irene has witnessed and contributed to significant transformations in the taxation landscape. Her insights provide a deep perspective on the role of women in taxation, global transparency in tax policies, and valuable advice for aspiring tax professionals.

A Dynamic Career in Tax Consulting

Ibu Irene’s interest in tax consulting stems from the ever-evolving nature of taxation, which continually adapts to business and economic developments. These continuous changes present both challenges and opportunities, keeping professionals like her engaged and motivated.

For her, working in the taxation field is not just about understanding numbers but also analyzing policies, interpreting regulations, and helping clients navigate the tax system efficiently. This expertise makes tax consultants highly strategic in supporting businesses.

The Evolution of Transparency in Taxation

In recent years, Ibu Irene has observed a major shift toward transparency in global taxation. One of the most significant developments is the implementation of the Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI), which enables tax authorities worldwide to automatically share financial information.

This initiative aims to combat tax evasion and enhance transparency, enabling countries to optimize tax revenues and establish a more fair tax system. According to Ibu Irene, this international collaboration marks a new era of tax compliance, where businesses and individuals must be more transparent in reporting their tax obligations.

Advancements in Gender Equality in Tax Policies

As a woman in the tax industry, Ibu Irene also acknowledges the progress in gender equality within Indonesia’s tax policies. One notable advancement is a regulation allowing husbands and wives to file taxes separately using their own Tax Identification Number (NPWP).

This policy promotes financial independence for women, allowing them to manage their taxes without relying on their spouses. This step reflects the government’s commitment to gender equality in taxation, recognizing women as individuals with equal economic rights and responsibilities.

Advice for Aspiring Tax Consultants

As a seasoned tax professional, Ibu Irene shares valuable advice for young individuals interested in pursuing a career in tax consulting:

1. Strong Educational Foundation
   A solid background in accounting, taxation, and law is crucial for anyone entering the tax consulting field.
2. Understanding Business Transactions
   A good tax consultant must be able to analyze business transactions and understand their tax implications to provide the best strategies for clients.
3. Staying Updated on Tax Regulations
   Since tax laws and regulations are constantly evolving, tax consultants must continuously update their knowledge to provide accurate and compliant advice.
4. Encouraging More Women in Tax Consulting
   Ibu Irene hopes to see more women pursuing careers in taxation, as their presence can contribute to a more diverse, inclusive, and innovative industry.

Our interview with Ibu Irene Salaki highlights that taxation is not just about numbers, it’s about policy, transparency, and fairness. Through her expertise and experience, she has played a key role in the evolution of tax systems and continues to inspire the next generation, particularly women, to actively participate in this profession.

On this International Women’s Day 2025, Ibu Irene Salaki’s success story serves as a powerful testament to the fact that women play an essential role in taxation and can drive positive change within the industry.