3 Million Illegal Cigarettes Destroyed, State Losses Reach Rp4 Billion

The Purwokerto Customs and Excise Office has destroyed 3,006,544 illegal cigarettes that were seized without excise stamps. The illicit products were confiscated during enforcement operations across the Banyumas Raya region, including Banyumas, Purbalingga, and Banjarnegara regencies in Central Java.

Head of Purwokerto Customs Dwijanto Wahjudi stated that the destroyed cigarettes comprised 2,069,323 sticks from 2025 operations and 937,321 sticks seized in 2026. The goods were intercepted from various sources, including shipments, courier services, and retail shops, with the majority originating from outside Central Java.

“This destruction is a follow-up to enforcement actions and a guarantee that the seized goods will not re-enter the market,” Dwijanto said on Wednesday. He noted that the total potential state loss from the destroyed items alone reached Rp2.87 billion, while the overall potential loss from all enforcement actions during the period exceeded Rp4 billion.

In addition to destroying the goods, Customs and Excise Purwokerto has pursued legal action, with at least three criminal cases in the excise sector reaching legally binding court decisions. Banyumas Regent Sadewo Tri Lastiono urged public participation in combating illegal cigarettes, calling on the community to only purchase legal products and to report any suspected illicit trade. He stressed that eradicating illegal cigarettes requires synergy between the government, law enforcement, businesses, and the public to protect state revenue and ensure fair competition.