Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Indonesia has successfully thwarted smuggling attempts with a total worth of Rp480.7 billion ($30 million) in the early months of 2025, according to Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs (Menko Polkam) Budi Gunawan.
The crackdown was part of a coordinated effort by the country’s anti-smuggling task force, which involves multiple government agencies, including the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Trade, Customs and Excise, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), and the National Police (Polri).
“As of early 2025, the anti-smuggling task force has successfully intercepted illicit goods valued at Rp480.7 billion,” Budi said during a press conference in Surabaya on Wednesday (February 5, 2025), as reported by Tirto.
100 Days of President Prabowo’s administration
This latest seizure brings the total value of smuggled goods confiscated during the first 100 days of President Prabowo’s administration, the “Kabinet Merah Putih” to Rp4.1 trillion ($255 million). According to Budi, this figure accounts for more than 40% of the total smuggling cases uncovered in 2024.
“When combined with previous operations, the total value of seized goods has reached Rp4.1 trillion, compared to the Rp9.66 trillion ($600 million) value of seized recorded in 2024,” he said.
Authorities are currently investigating 35 entities and 18 companies suspected of involvement in illegal smuggling activities related to the Rp480.7 billion haul.
The confiscated items range from tobacco, alcoholic beverages, textiles and accessories, steel, electronics, cosmetics, and rattan wood to elephant ivory.
The task force also intercepted a variety of biosecurity risks, including smuggled wildlife and plants such as long-tailed clams, pigs, birds, chickens, lobsters, meat, rice, seedlings, fruits, and ornamental plants.
Effort to Combat Smuggling
Budi commended the agencies involved for their efforts in combating smuggling and protecting Indonesia’s economy. “My appreciation goes to all ministries and institutions that have worked tirelessly to prevent the illegal flow of goods, both imports and exports, as per the President’s directive,” he stated.
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He emphasized that cracking down on smuggling is crucial not only to protect consumers from counterfeit or hazardous goods but also to support local industries, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
“This initiative ensures that our domestic industries can thrive without being undermined by illegal products that distort the market,” Budi said.
He also called on the public to support the government’s anti-smuggling efforts, stressing that tackling illegal trade is a collective responsibility that will yield long-term benefits for the economy and national welfare.
(Raidi/Agung)
