8 Key Points from Customs Regarding the Controversy Over Pokémon Card Inspection at Soekarno-Hatta
A video has gone viral on social media showing a woman, identified by the initials JES, crying during an inspection by Customs officers at Soeklagarno-Hatta Airport after bringing Pokémon cards from abroad. Customs has provided an official explanation regarding the incident.
According to the viral narrative, JES had recently arrived from China and felt that the inspection of her belongings took too long. Customs clarified the chronology of the inspection, stating that the check was conducted on the passenger’s luggage after X-ray imagery indicated a large quantity of Pokémon cards inside the suitcase.
Here are the eight key points from the Customs explanation regarding the Pokémon card inspection controversy at Soekarno-Hatta Airport:
- Inspection Based on PMK 34/2025
Customs explained that the inspection was carried out in accordance with Minister of Finance Regulation (PMK) Number 34 of 2025 concerning the Provisions for the Export and Import of Goods Carried by Passengers and Crew of Transport Means. Under this regulation, all imported goods brought by passengers must be declared to Customs officers to fulfil customs obligations.
- Inspection Occurred on 13 May 2026
Customs stated that the inspection took place on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, involving passenger JES, who arrived from abroad via Soekarno-Hatta Airport. The inspection followed X-ray indications of a significant number of Pokémon cards in the passenger’s luggage.
- USD 500 Duty-Free Facility
Customs noted that every passenger is entitled to a duty-free facility for personal goods up to USD 500 per person. However, this facility does not apply if the goods are categorised as commercial goods.
- Indications of Personal Shopping Services (Jastip) and Social Media Monitoring
Based on X-ray results and risk management systems, Customs detected strong indications of ‘jastip’ (personal shopping service) activities, prompting a deep inspection. This was based on travel data showing the passenger frequently travels abroad in short intervals, as well as monitoring of the passenger’s social media activity, which showed offers for overseas shopping goods.
- Significant Quantity of Pokémon Cards
During the deep inspection, officers found that JES was carrying a significant number of Pokémon cards. Consequently, a confirmation and verification process was conducted to ensure the purpose of the purchase. Customs noted that certain Pokémon cards have high market value, with single cards ranging from Rp100,000 to Rp100 million, and some even reaching Rp1.5 billion.
- Passenger Claimed Goods Were Gifts
During the confirmation process, JES stated that the Pokémon cards were gifts or souvenirs and not intended for resale. The passenger also presented purchase invoices to the officers for data verification.
- Goods Declared as Personal Items
After verification, Customs officers concluded that the items brought by JES fell under the category of personal goods. Therefore, the items were exempted from Import Duty and Import Taxes (PDRI), allowing the passenger to continue her journey.
- Denial of Intimidation
Customs denied the narrative suggesting that the passenger cried due to intimidation during the inspection. The agency stated, ‘Regarding the circulating narrative that the passenger cried due to intimidation, that narrative is untrue. In implementing customs laws, we always prioritise integrity, professionalism, and respect for the rights and obligations of every citizen.’