CEO Insights Magazine

Leadership is the cornerstone of success in any endeavor, especially in the competitive world of business and consulting. Effective leadership not only drives growth and innovation but also helps navigate the complexities of everevolving industries. In Indonesia, a country known for its dynamic economy, corporate consultants play a pivotal role in guiding businesses through these complexities, ensuring compliance while also maximizing opportunities for growth and efficiency. With nearly two decades of experience, Anggi Padoan Ibrahim Tambunan, Partner at Abide Tax Consulting is bringing in new wave of innovation in this segment.

Anggi's journey began humbly as an intern in a mid-sized tax firm shortly after completing his bachelor’s degree. It was during this early stage that he discovered his passion for taxation, leading him to pursue advanced degrees, including a Master’s degree in Law from the University of Indonesia and an LL.M from Wirtschaftsuniversitat in Vienna. His expertise in international tax law has allowed him to successfully lead major projects, such as high-profile tax disputes and cross-border tax planning, setting precedents in the Indonesian tax landscape.

Anggi's leadership in the field has been nothing short of transformative, guiding his firm through intricate corporate actions, tax disputes, and complex regulatory frameworks. With a focus on continuous learning and adaptability, he has solidified his position as one of Indonesia’s top-tier tax practitioners. His work has earned him significant accolades, including the prestigious “ADIT” from The Chartered Institute of Taxation and recognition in tax writing competitions, further underscoring his influence in the industry. Let’s read on.

Can you share your leadership approach? What principles or methodologies guide you as a leader?

My leadership approach is simple. At Abide Tax Consulting, I see myself as a coach. Our team spans multiple generations, leading to diverse perspectives, responsibilities, and approaches, especially from younger members. To ensure alignment, we involve them deeply in strategic projects, exposing them to the pressures, responsibilities, and challenges of the work. Along with this, we guide them in overcoming these difficulties, offering encouragement and trust in their abilities. This approach helps maintain their motivation and fosters growth.

Throw some light on the best practices which you pass on to your team based on your experience.

At the heart of our business is a commitment to building strong, trusting relationships with our clients, and we take that trust very seriously. When clients entrust us with their issues, it's essential for the team to conduct thorough research, paying close attention to every detail. Accuracy is crucial in tax consulting, as even small errors can lead to significant consequences. Our team must always prioritize the stakeholders' needs and goals, which requires maintaining strong organizational systems and processes. This includes meeting deadlines, documenting every step of a client’s process, and ensuring clear workflows. We also foster a culture of continuous learning and professional development. At Abide Tax Consulting, staying updated on industry trends, technology, and regulations is vital, and we encourage our team to grow both personally and professionally through ongoing education, internal discussions, and opportunities for scholarships and training.

What developments, changes in market behavior, and trends do you foresee emerging in the market moving forward, in your opinion?

Digital transformation and automation are undoubtedly at the forefront of change in the tax consulting industry. In Indonesia, Coretax is the backbone of tax reform, designed to create an efficient, transparent, and accurate system for managing tax administration. This digital shift integrates processes such as taxpayer registration, reporting, payments, and services to simplify tax compliance. However, Coretax is still evolving, with room for improvement, particularly in areas like taxpayer privacy and the accuracy of tax regulation implementation.

At Abide Tax Consulting, we believe that digital platforms should not only address tax obligations but also uphold taxpayer rights. This is where we strive to foster trust and balance between taxpayers’ rights and obligations in the digital age. Additionally, the rise of AI will enhance workflow efficiency, minimize errors, and provide more value-added services. Data analytics is another transformative trend, offering insights that will help firms provide more precise advice, spot risks, and uncover tax-saving opportunities. These developments highlight an evolving market, where adapting to new trends is essential for success.

What factors do you consider when setting longterm business goals?

When setting long-term business goals, several factors must be considered to ensure growth and progress in the right direction. First and foremost, the company’s vision and mission should guide these goals, as they provide a clear sense of purpose. Next, the needs of our clients take priority. It is essential to assess how well the business can address or alleviate their challenges, as this drives innovation and new discoveries. Finally, the availability of resources is a key consideration. Understanding resource availability ensures the company has the necessary capabilities to achieve its objectives while maintaining flexibility to adapt to economic or industry challenges. Together, these factors align the company for sustainable growth and success.

What kind of impact do you envision making in the future?

One of the key impacts I aim to deliver is fostering professional growth and leadership within Abide Tax Consulting. Our success is driven by the development of our people, and I am committed to helping our team unlock their full potential through mentorship, development, and leadership opportunities. As we grow, I want to ensure our employees feel empowered, supported, and equipped with the tools needed to thrive. Additionally, I see an opportunity to expand our impact in global markets by helping businesses navigate international tax regulations and crossborder challenges, positioning Abide Tax Consulting as a leader in global tax strategy.

Given your extensive experience in the industry, what advice would you offer to future industry leaders?

In my view, tax consulting is built on trust. Clients depend on accurate, transparent, and ethical advice, so we must prioritize their needs and operate with integrity. The relationships we form should be longterm, rooted in trust and respect, not just transactions. Additionally, innovation is essential. Encourage your team to think creatively, experiment, and challenge traditional methods. A culture of innovation ensures competitiveness, adaptability, and the continuous delivery of greater value to clients. Always stay open to new ideas.

Anggi Padoan Ibrahim Tambunan, Partner, Abide Tax Consulting

Anggi is a top practitioner in strategic tax advice and dispute resolution, handling complex domestic and international cases, including transfer pricing, corporate actions, and crossborder and domestic tax planning. He is trusted by multinationals and state-owned corporations across various industries.