Customs Foils Rp846 Billion Gold Smuggling Attempts Abroad

The Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC) of the Ministry of Finance has recorded a major success in curbing precious metal smuggling. Throughout the period from January to August 2026, customs authorities managed to foil 32 cases of attempted illegal gold export smuggling with a total economic value reaching Rp846.94 billion.

Director General of Customs and Excise, Djaka Budhi Utama, revealed that this achievement shows a very significant increase in enforcement compared to the previous year. For comparison, in the same period last year, Customs only handled around four cases of gold smuggling.

“We managed to foil around 32 cases with a total economic value of Rp846.94 billion,” said Djaka at a press conference at the DJBC Head Office, Jakarta, Tuesday (18/8).

One of the latest enforcements occurred at Terminal 3 International Departures of Soekarno-Hatta Airport, Banten, on Thursday (13/8). Officers foiled an attempt to export gold bars (cast bar) weighing 22.317 kilograms (kg) that were not accompanied by customs documents or official permits.

Previously, in the period of 10-11 August 2026, Soekarno-Hatta Customs in cooperation with Aviation Security (Avsec) also managed to secure two attempts at illegal gold exports. The total evidence from the operation reached 23.793 kg with an estimated market value of around Rp63 billion.

Based on the results of the investigation, Customs found indications of involvement of airport officials in the smuggling action. Djaka emphasised that his party will continue to trace the network behind this action and take firm legal action in accordance with applicable regulations.

In order to prevent leakage of state revenue in the future, DJBC is committed to improving supervision through several key strategies, including:

In addition to the enforcement aspect, Customs is also intensifying education to the public and service users. The goal is for every export activity and carrying goods abroad to be carried out legally, transparently, and in compliance with statutory provisions.

“Customs together with stakeholders at the airport will continue to tighten supervision of potential loss of state revenue caused by irresponsible parties,” concluded Djaka.