Wednesday, 10 June 2026

Batam Customs Intensifies Anti-Smuggling Drive with 54 Operations in May 2026

AHMAD ZULFIKAR SAGALA - Tuesday, 09 June 2026 23:59

PHOTO: Dalil Harahap

SUSPECTS DETAINED IN SMUGGLING CASE: Batam Customs officers detain suspects linked to the alleged smuggling of millions of illegal cigarette sticks and various contraband items throughout May 2026, reflecting strict surveillance across Batam’s waters and port areas.

BATAM | INDATANEWS.COM – The Batam Customs Office carried out a total of 54 enforcement operations throughout May 2026, targeting a wide range of smuggling activities including tobacco products, illegal secondhand clothing trade (ballpress), undeclared cash, as well as narcotics, psychotropics, and precursor substances (NPP). The operations underscore intensified surveillance of maritime routes and ports while safeguarding state revenue.

During the reporting period, Batam Customs issued 11 seizure reports (Surat Bukti Penindakan/SBP), confiscating approximately 1.3 million cigarettes. One notable case occurred on May 8, 2026, in the Pulau Citlim area, when patrol vessel BC-15029 intercepted an unidentified speedboat suspected of transporting untaxed cigarettes without proper customs documentation.

Upon inspection, officers discovered 380,800 cigarettes without excise stamps. The contraband was seized and transported to Tanjung Uncang Port for further investigation.

Abandoned Shipment Found in Mangrove Area

On May 18, 2026, another significant case was uncovered in Tanjung Piayu. Officers discovered an abandoned transport vehicle hidden in a mangrove forest containing 886,650 sticks of untaxed cigarettes of various brands. Both the goods and the vehicle were confiscated for legal proceedings.

SMUGGLING EVIDENCE SEIZED: Batam Customs uncovered narcotics and psychotropic substances, including 20 grams of cannabis and 260 vape cartridges containing Etomidate, which were secured and handed over to the relevant authorities. (PHOTO: Dalil Harahap)

Ultimum Remedium Applied in Customs Enforcement

Batam Customs Chief Agung Widodo confirmed that naval patrol units also seized an unregistered wooden boat carrying 80,990 untaxed cigarettes in the Pangkil area. The owner opted for the ultimum remedium mechanism under Law No. 7/2021 concerning tax regulation harmonization.

"This mechanism provides faster legal certainty while still maintaining a strong deterrent effect. The cost far outweighs the potential profit, thereby strengthening compliance," Widodo stated.

The case resulted in an administrative fine amounting to three times the payable excise duty, totaling IDR 185.7 million, which was fully deposited into the state treasury.

Undeclared Cash Cases Under Tight Monitoring

Authorities also recorded four cases involving undeclared cash at Harbour Bay International Port, with total confiscated funds reaching approximately IDR 747.5 million. Administrative penalties amounted to IDR 75.4 million.

In one notable incident on May 10, 2026, a Brunei Darussalam national was found carrying multiple currencies without declaration, including IDR 19.3 million, SGD 5,154, BND 3,539, MYR 3,090, GBP 3,350, and USD 4,800—equivalent to around IDR 312 million.

As the total exceeded the legal reporting threshold of IDR 100 million, a 10% penalty was imposed on the total value.

CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT ACTION: Officers confiscated 147 packages of illegal secondhand clothing (ballpress) during enforcement operations at Batam ports, underscoring continuous monitoring of illicit goods trafficking. (PHOTO: Dalil Harahap)

Narcotics and Psychotropics Seized in Separate Cases

In the NPP category, Batam Customs recorded two significant cases. At Telaga Punggur Ferry Terminal, officers discovered 20 grams of cannabis hidden in a backpack, which was subsequently handed over to the police.

Another case occurred on May 17, 2026, at Harbour Bay Port, where 260 vape cartridges containing etomidate were found concealed in modified clothing belonging to a Malaysian traveler. The seizure was transferred to the Riau Islands Provincial BNN (National Narcotics Agency).

Ongoing Crackdown on Illegal Secondhand Clothing

Batam Customs also conducted 13 enforcement actions against illegal secondhand clothing imports, seizing a total of 147 packages of ballpress goods. These operations reflect continuous monitoring of illicit garment smuggling routes through Batam's port network.

Agung Widodo emphasized the importance of inter-agency cooperation.

"Collaboration between institutions is crucial to protecting Batam from illegal activities. We will continue to strengthen our enforcement efforts," he said.

The May 2026 operations highlight Batam Customs' firm commitment to enforcing customs law, protecting state revenue, and maintaining strict control over cross-border illegal trade. (IDNC)

REPORTER: Dalil Harahap | EDITOR: Fik Sagala