Arema FC Manager Becomes Suspect In Illegal Cigarette Case, Customs And Excise Enforces Legally Professionally

JAKARTA - Customs and Excise has opened its voice over the appointment of Arema FC Manager, WDA as a suspect in the case of illegal cigarette trafficking.

Head of the Sub-Directorate for Public Relations and Customs and Counseling, Budi Prasetiyo, said that the determination of the suspect's status was carried out on May 5, 2025.

After going through an in-depth investigation process, Customs and Excise detained WDA at the Salemba State Detention Center, Customs Headquarters Branch. This detention was carried out for further investigation purposes.

"Currently, the legal process is still ongoing. Customs and Excise investigators are examining a number of witnesses related to the case. In addition, confiscation of evidence related to criminal acts in the field of excise is also being carried out in order to strengthen legal evidence," he explained in his statement, Friday, May 16.

WDA is suspected of violating Articles 52, 54, and/or 56 of Law Number 11 of 1995 concerning Excise as amended by Law Number 39 of 2007 jo. Article 55 paragraph (1) of the Criminal Code jo. Article 64 paragraph (1) of the Criminal Code.

The suspect's status at WDA began with the prosecution of a truck loaded with 800,000 illegal cigarettes from the CV ZAJ cigarette factory in Purwosari, Pasuruan, on Thursday (27/02) by Customs and Excise. WDA is the person in charge of the factory.

Although this case is in the spotlight because it involves a public figure, Budi emphasized that the law enforcement process will run professionally and independently.

According to him, as an agency responsible for monitoring excisable goods, Customs and Excise also continues to strengthen efforts to eradicate illegal cigarettes that harm state revenues and disrupt healthy business competition.

He also appealed to the public not to buy or distribute illegal cigarettes and to report any indications of violations.

"The active role of the community is very much needed to support an honest and fair business climate for a sustainable national development," said Budi.