Avoid Excise, 2.4 Million Cigarettes Use Delivery Mode Via Safe Deposit Service

YOGYAKARTA - The Central Java and Yogyakarta Customs and Excise Regional Offices have secured two packages of illegal goods that fall into the category of excisable goods (BKC).

The goods seized were 2.4 million cigarettes and 475.22 liters of drinks containing ethyl alcohol (MMEA). The two illegal packages used the delivery mode through a courier service company.

Head of the Central Java & DIY Customs and Excise Office, Muhamad Purwantoro, said the illegal goods were the result of taking action against the circulation of illegal BKC with the mode of delivery through a courier service company from January 1 to May 22, 2022. Purwantoro said the goods resulting from prosecution were 2.4 million sticks illegal cigarettes and 475.22 liters of MMEA with a total value of Rp.2.81 billion. The potential loss to the state that was saved was Rp. 1.86 billion.

He explained that the action was a combination of work units in the Central Java & DIY Customs and Excise areas, among others, for illegal cigarettes at the Kudus Customs Office there were 17 letters of evidence of prosecution (SBP), Semarang (150), Surakarta (1), Cilacap (4 ), Magelang (11), Purwokerto (4), Tegal (14), Yogyakarta (6), and Regional Office (1).

Meanwhile, the goods resulting from the illegal MMEA action were from the Customs Offices of Semarang, Surakarta, Cilacap, Magelang, Tegal, and Yogyakarta.

"The eradication of illegal BKC will be carried out continuously from upstream to downstream. This is in the context of securing state finances, creating a healthy business climate, and smooth development," said Purwantoro at a press conference at the Surakarta Customs Office, Tuesday 24 May.

The exposure to the prosecution of excisable goods, said Purwantoro, is a clear warning that increasing production and circulation of illegal BKC requires serious attention through the synergy of all relevant law enforcement officers.

If illegal BKC production is not taken seriously, according to him, besides threatening state revenue, it will also distort government policies in controlling BKC consumption.

Customs and Excise will continue to strive to eradicate the circulation of illegal BKC by synergizing with law enforcement officers such as the TNI, Polri, prosecutors, local government, Satpol PP, and other relevant agencies.

He emphasized that the perpetrators of illegal circulation of BKC can be charged with Article 54 of Law Number 39 of 2007 concerning Amendments to Law Number 11 of 1995 concerning Excise.

The regulation, published by Antara, reads: Everyone who offers, delivers, sells, or provides for sale excisable goods that are not attached with excise stamps or are not affixed with other excise payment signs, based on that provision, shall be punished with imprisonment for a minimum of 1 year and a maximum of 1 year imprisonment. 5 years and/or a fine of at least twice the value of the excise duty and a maximum of 10 times the value of the excise that should be paid.

Nevertheless, he appealed to parties or entrepreneurs who are not yet legal to do business legally because it's legal. It's easy. Customs offices throughout the region will provide the best service and integrity.