Operation ASAP 2026: Customs Protects Businesses and Public from Illegal Cigarette Circulation

Indonesia's Directorate General of Customs and Excise has intensified its efforts to curb the circulation of illegal excisable goods, particularly illicit cigarettes, through the nationwide "Operation ASAP (Amankan Sumber Asal Penerimaan) 2026." This integrated surveillance and enforcement operation commenced on June 8 and will continue until June 30, 2026, across multiple regions.

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Through targeted surveillance and enforcement, we strive to prevent the distribution of illegal products that harm consumers, disrupt business compliance, and create unhealthy competition.

The primary objective of Operation ASAP 2026 is to safeguard both consumers and legitimate businesses. Budi Prasetiyo, Head of the Sub-Directorate of Public Relations and Counseling at Customs, stated that the operation aims to prevent the distribution of illegal products that harm consumers, disrupt compliant businesses, and foster unhealthy competition. The operation is designed to create a healthy, fair, and sustainable business climate.

This year's operation represents a strategic evolution from previous initiatives like "Operation Gempur" and "Operation Gurita," which ran from 2018 to 2025. The name change signifies a strengthening of Customs' integrated surveillance strategy, now encompassing the entire supply chain from production and distribution to marketing and import points of illegal excisable goods.

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Operation ASAP 2026 is a manifestation of Customs' commitment to providing a healthy and fair business ecosystem. The circulation of illegal excisable goods harms compliant businesses by creating unequal competition.

Customs data from 2025 indicated that approximately 1.4 billion sticks of illegal tobacco products were detected, highlighting the persistent challenge of illicit trade. Prasetiyo stressed that consistent, transparent, and sustainable monitoring and enforcement are crucial to combat this issue. The operation also seeks to bolster state revenue by ensuring that excisable goods comply with regulations.

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Surveillance and enforcement must be carried out consistently, transparently, and sustainably.

Beyond enforcement, Customs is actively engaging the public and stakeholders to support Operation ASAP 2026. Citizens are encouraged to report any indications of illegal excisable goods through official channels, contributing to the creation of an orderly and equitable business environment. This public participation is deemed vital for the success of the campaign against illegal trade.

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Public support is crucial in eradicating illegal excisable goods. Information and reports from the public are essential.