Customs foils 32 illegal gold export cases worth Rp846 billion

The Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC) at the Ministry of Finance has foiled 32 cases of attempted illegal gold export smuggling worth Rp846.94 billion throughout January–August 2026.

“We managed to thwart around 32 cases with a total economic value of Rp846.94 billion,” said Director General of Customs and Excise Djaka Budhi Utama at a press conference at the DJBC Head Office in Jakarta on Tuesday.

According to Djaka, the number of enforcement actions has increased significantly over the course of a year. Compared with the same period last year, Customs foiled around four gold smuggling cases.

Most recently, Customs thwarted an attempt to export gold bars (cast bar) that were not accompanied by customs documents and permits, with total evidence of 22.317 kilograms (kg) of gold at Terminal 3 International Departures of Soekarno-Hatta Airport, Banten, on Thursday (13/8).

Previously, on 10–11 August 2026, Soekarno-Hatta Customs together with Aviation Security (Avsec) also foiled two gold export attempts with total seized goods reaching 23.793 kg and an estimated market value of Rp63 billion.

Customs’ investigation also found the involvement of airport officials in the smuggling operation. Djaka said he would continue to trace the parties behind this network and take firm action in accordance with applicable regulations.

He also said he would continue to strengthen supervision efforts, including by optimising passenger data analysis, risk-based monitoring, selective checks, and coordination and information exchange with stakeholders.

In addition, his office will provide education to the public and service users so that export activities and the carrying of goods abroad are conducted legally, transparently, and in accordance with statutory regulations.

“Customs and stakeholders at the airport will continue to tighten controls on potential state revenue losses caused by irresponsible parties,” he said.