The government and House of Representatives are considering speeding up the establishment of an independent commission to oversee the work of the tax service.

Such a commission is seen as essential to prevent abuses and misfeasance on the part of corrupt tax officials.

The establishment of the new commission is provided for under the three taxation amendment bills recently submitted to the House, but the government is willing to move on the issue before the amendment bills have been agreed to by the House, Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati said.

"The bills allow for the setting up of the commission in pressing circumstances, even before the bills have been fully deliberated," said Mulyani.

House finance commission member Awal Kusumah welcomed the news, saying: "It does not matter if we haven't completed the bills. If it could improve oversight, then why not?".