JAKARTA - Discussions on legalising illegal cigarette producers\nthrough the addition of a new layer of tobacco excise duty (CHT) are not\nmerely about state revenue but also potentially opening new avenues for\ncorruption practices and abuse of authority.<\/p>\n
Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) assesses that this policy could\nalter the direction of law enforcement against excise violations, from a\ncriminal approach to an administrative compromise. On the other hand,\nthe policy is also feared to create grey areas in state revenue\ngovernance.<\/p>\n
The proposal for adding a new layer of tobacco excise was previously\nmentioned as a way to bring illegal cigarette producers into the legal\nscheme. However, several anti-corruption activists view this step as\npotentially causing serious issues in terms of law enforcement.<\/p>\n
Moreover, the policy is seen as not aligning with the government\u2019s\nspirit in eradicating corruption and closing loopholes for state losses.\nIn particular, the potential for new corrupt practices and\ncriminalisation in the future is said to be increasingly open if this\nregulation is implemented.<\/p>\n
ICW researcher Seira Tamara stated that the spirit of bureaucratic\nreform so far has been directed towards simplifying rules and public\nservice processes. According to her, complex structures often become\nfields for compromise and dark transactions.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe addition of a new layer in the excise structure risks creating\nadditional complexity that opens up negotiation spaces and corruption\npractices,\u201d said Seira in an official statement on Wednesday\n(6\/5\/2026).<\/p>\n
Furthermore, she warned that the proposal for a new excise layer\ncould very likely become a container for new corrupt practices if\nimplemented without thorough study.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen there is a new layer (excise) proposed, it is very likely that\nit will instead accommodate corrupt practices,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Therefore, if the state opens legalisation options through\nadjustments to the excise layer, there emerges an impression that\ncriminal instruments are no longer a priority in addressing excise\nviolations.<\/p>\n
She also questioned the logic of the policy, which is seen as giving\nmore room first to illegal cigarette actors, but only closing loopholes\nwhen violations occur again in the future.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf there is indeed a violation and the legal instruments are already\navailable, why not enforce them now? Why wait?\u201d she said.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/discussions-on-legalising-illegal-cigarette-producers-seen-as-potentially-opening-new-corruption-opportunities-1778158495", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }