Complete! Chronology of Pure Gold Smuggling Worth Rp700 Million by Indian Man
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Soekarno-Hatta Customs collaborated with InJourney Airports’ Aviation Security (Avsec) to thwart the smuggling of pure gold ore valued at approximately Rp700 million. The smuggling was carried out by an Indian national with initials MTNP, aged 44 years.
“This enforcement demonstrates that the modus operandi of smugglers continues to evolve, yet the synergy between agencies, advanced technology, and the sharpness of field officers remain an impenetrable defence,” said Hengky Tomuan Parlindungan Aritonang, Head of the Main Service Office of Type C Customs and Excise at Soekarno-Hatta, quoted on Tuesday (12/5/2026).
Chronology and Modus Operandi
According to Hengky, the incident began on Friday, 8 May 2026, around 15:00 WIB at Terminal 3 International Departures at Soekarno-Hatta Airport.
MTNP, scheduled to fly to New Delhi, India, via the Jakarta (CGK) - Singapore (SIN) route, was monitored by officers as he approached the departure gate. The joint team then coordinated close surveillance and discovered two packets of gold granules.
To evade checks, the suspect used a fairly unique concealment method. First, the gold granules in powder form were mixed with gluten (flour dough) to disguise their physical form.
Second, the packets were then hidden inside the underwear worn by the suspect to avoid detection by security personnel in the screening area.
Officers immediately conducted rapid and accurate laboratory testing after securing the two packets of gold granules. The laboratory examination results confirmed that the granules were precious metal gold with a purity of >90%, with a total gross weight of 265.7 grams.
“With gold prices continuously fluctuating in the global market, the estimated value of the illegally exported evidence at that time reached Rp700 million,” said Hengky.
Head of Enforcement and Investigation of the Directorate General of Customs and Excise, I Putu Agus Arjaya, stated that this illegal gold export attempt not only violates customs provisions but also has the potential to damage the country’s foreign exchange order.
“We see an attempt to remove Indonesia’s natural wealth without proper procedures. Every gram of gold that leaves illegally is a real loss to the national economy. The government itself has regulated the export duty on gold through PMK Number 80 of 2025,” Hengky emphasised when providing statements to the media.
According to Customs, the suspect’s actions meet the elements of suspected customs criminal offences under Article 102A letter a of Law No. 17 of 2006 on Amendments to Law No. 10 of 1995 on Customs, with a maximum criminal penalty of 10 years and a maximum fine of Rp5 billion.
“Our message is very clear: never try to violate customs rules. We have an integrated surveillance system, trained personnel, and solid inter-agency synergy. We will continue to stand firm to guard the nation’s borders,” said Hengky.