Millions of Illegal Cigarettes Worth Rp13 Billion Destroyed in Sidoarjo

Authorities in Sidoarjo, East Java, Indonesia, have destroyed over 9 million illegal cigarettes with an estimated value of Rp13.05 billion. The operation, carried out on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, by the Kantor Pengawasan dan Pelayanan Bea dan Cukai (KPPBC) Tipe Madya Pabean Sidoarjo in collaboration with the Satpol PP (Civil Service Police Unit), aimed to eliminate contraband tobacco products.

The confiscated items, totaling 9,096,760 individual cigarettes, were seized from multiple areas including Sidoarjo, Surabaya, and the Mojokerto Regency and City. The destruction took place at the Sentra Industri Hasil Tembakau (SIHT) in Candipari Village, Porong, Sidoarjo.

Officials estimate that the proliferation of these illegal cigarettes resulted in potential state losses amounting to Rp8.8 billion. The destruction process involved burning the seized goods, visually confirming the eradication of the contraband.

This action underscores the ongoing efforts by Indonesian authorities to combat the illicit trade of tobacco products, which not only undermines legitimate businesses but also deprives the state of significant tax revenue.