Monday, 13 July 2026
BATAM | INDATANEWS.COM - The Customs Office of Batam has reported continued positive performance in its supervisory and service functions from January to mid-June 2026. During this period, a total of 554 Enforcement Reports (Surat Bukti Penindakan/SBP) were issued, while state revenue reached IDR 474.86 billion. This achievement underscores strengthened monitoring in Batam's strategically important Free Trade Zone, where cross-border goods movement remains highly dynamic and requires tighter enforcement.
The results reflect not only improved institutional performance, but also the effectiveness of an integrated supervisory strategy. Batam Customs has optimized its control measures across multiple sectors, including state revenue collection, excisable goods monitoring, and the suppression of increasingly complex smuggling techniques.
Batam Customs reported that realized state revenue as of June 21, 2026, had reached IDR 474.86 billion, equivalent to 68.92 percent of the annual target. Compared to the same period in 2025, this represents an increase of 11.79 percent.
The largest contributions came from import duties amounting to IDR 198.32 billion and export duties totaling IDR 254.47 billion. Meanwhile, excise revenue stood at IDR 22.06 billion, or 41.30 percent of the 2026 annual target.
In the supervision of excisable goods, Batam Customs recorded 83 SBP cases involving more than 4.7 million cigarettes and 147.32 liters of alcoholic beverages (MMEA) seized from illegal distribution channels.
Two major enforcement operations stood out during this period. On January 29, 2026, officers confiscated 420,000 unstamped cigarettes. Later, on March 12, 2026, authorities foiled a maritime smuggling attempt involving 1,120,000 unstamped cigarettes.
To further strengthen oversight, Batam Customs carried out Operation ASAP (Amankan Sumber Asal Penerimaan). This initiative represents an evolution of previous operations such as Gempur and Gurita, adopting a comprehensive approach across the entire supply chain of excisable goods.
In the field of narcotics, psychotropics, and precursors (NPP), Batam Customs recorded 18 SBP cases in the first half of 2026, with more than 3,100 grams of methamphetamine seized from various trafficking routes.
On June 19, 2026, officers again intercepted over 1,004 grams of methamphetamine concealed within shipments stored at a temporary storage facility (TPS). In addition, 1,590 vape cartridges containing etomidate were seized across five separate cases.
Smuggling methods continue to evolve, ranging from body strapping and concealed clothing to disguising illicit goods within household items. All evidence and suspects have been handed over to the police and the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) of the Riau Islands Province for further legal proceedings.
Beyond prohibited items, Batam Customs also recorded 15 SBP cases involving undeclared cash totaling IDR 3.04 billion, resulting in administrative sanctions amounting to IDR 313.1 million.
Under PMK 100/PMK.04/2018, travelers carrying cash exceeding IDR 100 million are required to declare it. Violations are subject to a 10 percent penalty on the undeclared amount.
In addition, authorities seized 231,130 baby lobsters (Benih Bening Lobster/BBL) illegally transported by sea on February 2, 2026. On February 11, 2026, officers also thwarted an attempt to smuggle 223 gold bars concealed in false compartments at Batam Center Port.
The trade in second-hand clothing ("ballpress") also remains a key enforcement focus, with 274 SBP cases recorded and 2,320 bales of illegal garments confiscated. These actions aim to protect consumers and safeguard the domestic textile industry from illegal imports.
Head of Compliance Support and Information Services at Batam Customs, Setiawan Rosyidi, stated that the improved performance reflects a more adaptive enforcement system.
"The performance in the first half of this year shows that Batam Customs supervision has become stricter and more responsive to evolving smuggling methods. On the revenue side, we have met and even exceeded the target," he said.
He added that the achievements were also made possible through close cooperation with the National Police, the National Narcotics Agency (BNN), the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM), and other institutions. Batam Customs will continue strengthening control at all entry and exit points while encouraging public participation in combating smuggling. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Dalil Harahap | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
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