Customs bust counterfeit excise stamp syndicate, saving Rp570 billion
The Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC) has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating the circulation of illegal excise goods in the country. Through a joint operation with the Strategic Intelligence Agency (BAIS) of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), a joint team carried out simultaneous enforcement against a network involved in producing and stockpiling counterfeit excise stamps in Central Java.
This decisive step, taken on Tuesday, 19 May 2026, is estimated to have saved potential state losses in Rupiah amounting to Rp570 billion. The success of this large-scale enforcement stemmed from the collection and in-depth analysis of intelligence information regarding the activities surrounding the production of illegal excise goods.
Simultaneous Operations in Jepara and Semarang
The Customs Task Force, comprising the Enforcement and Investigation Directorate, the Central Java and DIY Regional Office of Customs, and Kudus Customs, moved simultaneously in two main operational areas:
Jepara Regency: Officers targeted five locations used as stockpiling sites and for affixing holograms in the districts of Mayong, Batealit, and Pecangaan.
Semarang City: Raids were carried out at three sites comprising residential buildings and boarding houses in Gunungpati District that served as the hub of the illegal excise stamp printing process.
71 cartons of excise stamps suspected to be counterfeit and 3 cartons of excise stamps without holograms.
2 printing units (models OLIVER 66 EZ and OLIVER 258 E2Z).
2 foil stamping machines and 1 paper cutting machine.
22 rolls of hologram sticker paper and the print plates for excise stamps.
1 Innova Zenix vehicle with registration plate K 1704 Q.
Detentions: 19 People for Questioning
To enforce the law in accordance with statutory provisions, authorities detained those involved at the scene. In Jepara, 15 people engaged in hologram affixation were detained. In Semarang, 4 people were detained, including one printing controller, two workers, and one driver.
All evidence and the 19 individuals under questioning have been transferred to the Central Java and DIY Regional Office of Customs for further investigation. The operation reportedly proceeded safely and under control, thanks to full security support from BAIS TNI personnel.
Director General of Customs, Lieutenant General (Ret.) Djaka Budi Utama, stated that the enforcement represents a tangible demonstration of the state’s presence in upholding the law while protecting the broad public interest.
“This enforcement is a manifestation of the Customs’ commitment to safeguarding state revenue, creating a healthy business climate, and protecting the public from illegal excise goods,” Djaka Budi Utama said.
In addition to preventing massive leakage of state revenue, the operation is effective in mitigating potential intangible losses, such as preventing unhealthy competition and protecting the public from products that are not standardised. Customs continues to invite the public to become strategic partners by reporting indications of illegal goods circulation through official reporting channels.