Wednesday, 30 September 2026
BATAM | INDATANEWS.COM - Bea Cukai Batam has foiled an attempt by eight passengers to export 43 packets of solid gold-containing powder weighing approximately 11,310 grams gross from Indonesia. The goods were intercepted at the Batam Centre International Ferry Terminal and Harbour Bay International Ferry Terminal. The enforcement actions were carried out in two operations on September 22 and 24, 2026, involving passengers travelling from Batam to Singapore.
Examinations and laboratory analyses conducted by the Bea Cukai Batam laboratory found that all samples contained gold, or the element Au, in very high concentrations. In the first operation, the gold content was recorded at 99.530 percent. In the second operation, the gold content of the goods examined ranged from 99.115 to 99.219 percent.The total estimated value of the goods seized in the two operations reached approximately Rp29.23 billion. According to Bea Cukai Batam, the enforcement actions also prevented or secured potential losses of state revenue estimated at around Rp3.65 billion.
The first enforcement action took place on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, in the departure area of the Batam Centre International Ferry Terminal. During baggage inspections, officers focused their attention on a passenger identified by the initials SQ.
During the inspection, officers discovered seven packets of solid powder that raised suspicion. The goods had a gross weight of approximately 1,875 grams. The packets were subsequently seized and taken to the Bea Cukai Batam laboratory for further examination and analysis.Laboratory testing confirmed that the solid powder contained gold, or Au, at a concentration of 99.530 percent. The discovery subsequently became the starting point for more extensive monitoring based on a risk analysis of passenger travel patterns.
In the first case, Bea Cukai Batam estimated the value of the goods at Rp4.77 billion. The potential state revenue losses secured through the enforcement action were estimated at approximately Rp595 million.The discovery involving SQ prompted officers to intensify monitoring of passengers travelling from Batam to Singapore through the city's international passenger terminals.
During the second operation, seven passengers identified by the initials TLK, CYA, LJ, CYO, CM, PC and YM were inspected and detained. Examination of their baggage and further checks led to the discovery of 36 packets of solid powder with a gross weight of approximately 9,435 grams.
Officers found that the goods had been concealed in various ways. Some of the packets were placed inside bags, while others were hidden in underwear. Officers also discovered goods that had allegedly been concealed on a passenger's body or transported using an inserter.Bea Cukai Batam subsequently brought all the seized goods to its laboratory for examination. The analysis showed that all samples tested positive for gold, or the element Au. The gold content of the samples ranged from 99.115 to 99.219 percent.
The two enforcement operations resulted in a total of 43 packets of gold-containing powder weighing approximately 11,310 grams gross. The goods were discovered in the possession of a total of eight passengers travelling from Batam to Singapore.For the second operation, Bea Cukai Batam estimated the value of the goods at Rp24.46 billion. The potential state revenue losses secured through the enforcement action were estimated at approximately Rp3.06 billion.
Combined, the two operations resulted in an estimated total goods value of Rp29.23 billion. The total potential state revenue losses were estimated at approximately Rp3.65 billion.
Bea Cukai Batam carried out the enforcement actions as part of its customs supervision duties over goods exported from the Batam Free Trade Zone and Free Port.
The cases are currently still in the examination and investigation stage. The process is intended to determine what further action should be taken against the goods and the individuals involved in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.According to Bea Cukai Batam, there are indications of violations of customs regulations under Law No. 17 of 2006 concerning Customs. The authorities are also referring to Government Regulation No. 41 of 2021 concerning the administration of Free Trade Zones and Free Ports, as well as Ministry of Finance Regulation No. 34 of 2025 concerning provisions governing the import and export of goods carried by passengers and crew members of means of transport.
Bea Cukai Batam said monitoring of the movement of goods through international passenger terminals would continue. In carrying out its supervisory duties, officers rely on risk analysis and inspections conducted in accordance with applicable regulations.The supervision is not limited to goods entering Batam. Bea Cukai also monitors goods being exported from the Free Trade Zone to ensure that all customs obligations are fulfilled.
The seizure of the 43 packets of gold-containing powder demonstrates that supervision at international passenger terminals takes into account various transportation and concealment methods. Risk analysis and inspections based on such assessments are among the measures used by officers to identify goods requiring further examination.As the examination and investigation remain ongoing, Bea Cukai Batam will determine the next steps based on the findings of the investigation and the applicable legal provisions. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Dalil Harahap | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
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