Indonesian Authorities Destroy 13.2 Million Illegal Cigarettes

Authorities in East Java, Indonesia, have intensified efforts to curb the circulation of illegal cigarettes and raise public awareness about purchasing legal products. On Thursday, June 11, 2026, customs officials, alongside the East Java Public Order Agency and local leaders, organized an educational event on handling illegal cigarettes. The event culminated in the destruction of 13.2 million illegal cigarette sticks in Sidoarjo's Porong Market.

This action is part of the "Gempur Rokok Ilegal" campaign, a joint initiative by customs and law enforcement to safeguard the public from illicit tobacco trade and foster a healthy, equitable business environment for compliant operators. The educational outreach was strategically held at Porong Market to directly engage local traders and consumers.

"As an agency tasked with overseeing excisable goods, including cigarettes, Customs must ensure that seized items are not misused, which is why we carry out the destruction of these illegal cigarettes," stated Rusman Hadi, Head of the East Java I Customs and Excise Regional Office. The destroyed cigarettes were seized between September and December 2025 and primarily involved products sold without excise stamps, commonly known as "plain" cigarettes.

The total haul comprised over 13.2 million cigarette sticks, valued at approximately $1.3 million. The potential state revenue lost from these seizures, including excise duties, tobacco tax, and VAT, amounts to about $860,000. Officials urged the public to be vigilant when buying tobacco products, ensuring they bear legitimate excise stamps. They also emphasized the importance of public participation in reporting suspected illegal cigarette sales to promote fair competition.

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As an agency tasked with overseeing excisable goods, including cigarettes, Customs must ensure that seized items are not misused, which is why we carry out the destruction of these illegal cigarettes.