257 Customs Cases Revealed, State Survives Potential Loss Of IDR 2.1 Billion

Batam Customs and Excise thwarted the smuggling of 327 mobile phones in Batam City, Riau Islands, Wednesday (16/7/2025). (ANTARA/Laily Rahmawaty)

Batam Customs and Excise, Riau Islands through the Smuggling Eradication Task Force took action against 257 customs and excise violations from various lines during the period from July 14 to August 5, 2025.

Head of Batam Customs and Excise Zaky Firmansyah of the 257 prosecutions, 163 reports have been followed up.

"From the results of research on customs and excise violations, the value of goods was recorded at Rp7.69 billion, with the potential loss to the state that was saved reaching Rp2.1 billion," Zaky said as quoted by ANTARA, Monday, August 11.

He explained that this action includes various modes. One of them is the failure of efforts to smuggle thousands of illegal goods that have the potential to harm the state in large quantities.

In addition, officers also managed to uncover the smuggling of 327 mobile phones in hidden dealers to avoid customs obligations.

This success, he continued, shows the wide range of supervision by the Batam Customs and Excise, from the air entrance to the land and sea distribution route.

"Every case handled does not only stop the circulation of illegal goods, but also provides a firm message that violations will not be left without legal consequences," he said.

Zaky added that Batam Customs and Excise followed up on the instructions of the Director General of Customs and Excise Lt. Gen. TNI (Ret.) Djaka Budhi Utama who said the establishment of the Illegal Excise Prevention and Enforcement Task Force marked the government's commitment to maintaining the stability of state revenues and creating a healthy and fair business climate in the field of excise.

On every occasion, he said, the Director General of Customs and Excise consistently emphasized the important meaning of integrity and synergy.

"If I pass illegal imported goods, it means I betrayed the country," Zaky said delivering the direction of the Director General of Customs and Excise.