Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs (Menko Polkam), Budi Gunawan, has revealed that more than 300 unregistered ports commonly known as “rat routes”, are being used to smuggle illegal goods from abroad into the country.
Speaking at a press conference on import and export law enforcement in East Java on Wednesday (February 5, 2025), Budi stated that the majority of these smuggling routes are located along the eastern coast of Sumatra.
“This is the area [eastern Sumatra waters] with the highest number of so-called rat routes. Based on our mapping, there are more than 300 of them,” Budi said, as reported by Sindonews.
Smuggling Routes Identified
Finance Minister Sri Mulyani confirming that authorities have identified a total of 351 illegal ports suspected of being used for smuggling operations. “The Coordinating Minister has reported that 351 rat ports have been identified as landing spots for smuggled goods,” Sri Mulyani states, as reported by CNN Indonesia.
According to Sri Mulyani, smugglers typically use unregistered wooden boats to transport illicit goods through these hidden ports.
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She further explained that some smugglers hide illegal goods among legitimate shipments within the same shipping container. “Another common tactic is carousel smuggling, where goods are falsely declared as exports but then secretly re-enter the domestic market,” she added.
Government Response
In response to these findings, the Coordinating Ministry for Political and Security Affairs has established a Maritime Task Force under the Desk for Smuggling Prevention and Eradication to monitor these illegal routes.
“For now, we are reinforcing our newly established task force. The Maritime Task Force is specifically focused on eastern Sumatra waters, as this area has the densest maritime traffic,” Budi stated.
Additionally, the government plans to utilize advanced technology to bolster enforcement efforts. Various ministries and agencies will integrate their surveillance capabilities.
“The Finance Ministry, particularly Customs, along with the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, the Navy, the National Police’s maritime unit, and the Ministry of Transportation will collaborate using a unified monitoring system,” Budi said.
Beyond maritime surveillance, the government has also set up a Land Task Force to prevent smuggling along Indonesia’s land borders. “This task force will focus specifically on identifying and tracking key smuggling operators using land routes,” he concluded.
The Government were ramping up enforcement efforts through specialized task forces and advanced surveillance technology. Authorities hope to curb illegal smuggling activities and protect Indonesia’s economy from the influx of illicit goods.
(Raidi/Agung)
