Tuesday, 04 August 2026
BATAM | INDATANEWS.COM- Batam Customs (Bea Cukai Batam) has intensified its crackdown on the trade of illegal excisable goods by conducting a large-scale excise enforcement operation from July 27 to July 30, 2026. During the operation, officers confiscated a total of 32,790 illegal cigarettes of various brands from several locations across Batam City. The seized goods were valued at approximately Rp50.5 million, while the potential state revenue loss prevented by the operation was estimated at Rp33.1 million.
The operation forms part of Batam Customs' ongoing efforts to combat the circulation of illegal cigarettes, which undermine government revenue, create unfair business competition, and significantly reduce excise tax collections.Enforcement officers inspected a number of previously identified target locations based on regional assessments and intelligence analysis. The operation included inspections of retail outlets and the tracing of suspected distribution channels used to circulate illegal cigarettes.
The inspections confirmed that cigarettes without valid excise tax stamps remain in circulation. Officers seized 32,790 illegal cigarettes of various brands, including Manchester, R7Bold, H&D, PSG, H-Mild, T3, OFO, and several others.The successful operation highlights Batam Customs' commitment to safeguarding state revenue while ensuring fair competition through strict supervision of excisable goods.
The objective is to dismantle the networks responsible for supplying illegal cigarettes to the market. As a result, enforcement activities are directed not only at retailers but also at individuals and businesses involved in the production and distribution process.
Information gathered during the operation will serve as the basis for further enforcement measures. Batam Customs will use the findings to strengthen coordination with other customs offices and expand cooperation with government institutions and law enforcement agencies in combating excise violations.These measures are expected to enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement while suppressing the trade of illegal excisable goods throughout the entire supply chain, from production to distribution.
The operation is also aligned with the government's ASAP (Amankan Sumber Asal Penerimaan) program, which focuses on protecting state revenue at its source. The initiative is designed to curb the circulation of illegal excisable goods during the production, distribution, and marketing stages.Through this strategy, the government aims not only to confiscate illegal products already circulating in the market but also to dismantle distribution networks in order to prevent financial losses before they occur.
The Head of Batam Customs emphasized that enforcement against illegal cigarette trading will continue on a sustained basis as part of the institution's commitment to protecting state revenue.
"Batam Customs will continue conducting similar operations independently and jointly with relevant authorities. We will also consistently trace the production sources and distribution networks of illegal cigarettes. Whenever violations are identified and supported by sufficient evidence, legal action will be taken in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations," the official said.The statement reflects Batam Customs' long-term strategy of building a sustainable enforcement system in collaboration with various government agencies to comprehensively dismantle illegal cigarette networks.
According to the agency, public participation plays a crucial role in preventing the circulation of illegal excisable goods. Therefore, Batam Customs encourages members of the public to report suspected violations.
Reports may include cigarettes without excise tax stamps, products bearing counterfeit or reused tax stamps, or any misuse of excise tax stamps. The public can submit reports through the nearest customs office, via WhatsApp, email, official Batam Customs social media accounts, or through the Bravo Bea Cukai hotline at 1500225.Through consistent enforcement and close cooperation with all relevant stakeholders, Batam Customs reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the public from illegal goods, ensuring fair business competition, and safeguarding state excise revenue. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Dalil Harahap | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
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