inance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has announced that the government will take strict action against the circulation of illegal cigarettes, which has affected state revenue due to a significant decline in excise duties.
“We will crack down on those involved, including officials from the Customs Office and Finance Ministry. I hope this problem can be eradicated within the next three months,” Purbaya said during a state budget press conference on Monday.
The minister explained that the director general of customs and excise would be tasked with conducting random inspections of travelers using airport green lanes, which do not require physical baggage checks. Officials have expressed concern that this lane could be exploited by cigarette smugglers to bring tobacco products into the country without paying excise duties.
In addition, Purbaya said he had summoned e-commerce platforms, including Tokopedia and Blibli, urging them to prevent the sale of illegal cigarettes on their marketplaces. Random inspections will also target suppliers such as food stalls and small cigarette kiosks, including those selling single cigarettes in jars.
“We have identified the sellers and will start arresting them, so anyone still selling must stop,” he warned.
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Customs and excise authorities say they have intensified monitoring of excisable goods, with a particular focus on tobacco products.
