Indonesian Customs Seizes Over 3.1 Million Illegal Cigarettes in June
Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Bea Cukai Kediri seized over 3.1 million illegal cigarettes in June 2026.
- The operation involved 16 raids, including independent operations, market sweeps, and joint efforts with law enforcement.
- The seized items are valued at Rp 4.7 billion, with potential state losses of Rp 3.07 billion averted.
Bea Cukai Kediri successfully intercepted more than 3.1 million illegal cigarettes throughout June 2026, conducting 16 separate enforcement actions. The total value of the seized goods reached Rp 4.7 billion, preventing an estimated Rp 3.07 billion in state losses.
These operations comprised three independent raids, twelve market sweeps, and one joint operation with regional law enforcement. The actions targeted cigarettes lacking excise stamps, using counterfeit or used stamps, or employing stamps improperly.
Head of the Kediri Customs Office, Gatot Heroe Hernanda, attributed the success to intelligence work, field surveillance, and strong inter-agency cooperation. He emphasized the commitment to continuous monitoring and expanded public education to boost compliance in the customs sector.
Beyond enforcement, Bea Cukai Kediri prioritizes preventive measures through outreach to the public and businesses. These educational efforts aim to enhance understanding of customs regulations and encourage voluntary compliance, thereby reducing the circulation of illegal excisable goods. The agency also encourages the public to report any suspected violations through official channels, fostering a collaborative approach to combatting illegal cigarettes and safeguarding state revenue for national development.
This is the result of cooperation from all parties in carrying out continuous supervision and enforcement. We will continue to optimize supervision and expand education to the community and business actors so that compliance in the customs sector increases.
Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.