Customs Thwarts Illegal Export of 190 Kg of Gold at Halim, Saving the State from Potential Rp 41 Billion Loss
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Customs officials in Jakarta thwarted an attempt to illegally export hundreds of kilograms of gold through Halim Perdanakusuma Airport on Monday (27/4/2026), preventing a potential state loss of Rp 41.19 billion.
Director General of Customs Djaka Budhi Utama stated that during the operation, officers seized 60.3 kilograms of gold jewellery and 130.262 kilograms of gold coins, with a total weight exceeding 190 kilograms and a value of around Rp 502.5 billion.
The case stemmed from intelligence about a planned shipment of six packages containing jewellery and gold coins that were allegedly not declared in the Export Goods Notification (PEB) documents.
Djaka explained that the cargo was intended to be transported via a chartered aircraft through Halim Perdanakusuma Airport.
Following up on the tip, officers conducted a thorough inspection of the aircraft’s cargo in the apron area and discovered 611 gold bracelets weighing 60.3 kilograms valued at US$8.94 million, as well as 2,971 gold coins weighing 130.262 kilograms valued at US$19.4 million.
The items were subsequently seized, and a Seizure Evidence Letter was issued for further investigation proceedings.
Four related parties were also detained in this case, namely HH, AH, HG, and an Indian national with the initials PP.
Djaka said the operation relates to oversight of exports of high-value goods (HVG), including gold.
Based on preliminary calculations, the customs value of the commodities amounts to Rp 486.07 billion.
Meanwhile, for gold coins under HS Code 7108.12.90, this commodity is subject to a 12.5 percent export duty in accordance with Minister of Finance Regulation (PMK) Number 80 of 2025.
From the alleged evasion of export duty obligations, the potential state loss is estimated at Rp 41.19 billion.
This case also highlights the implementation of the government’s new regulations on gold export duties, which have been in effect since November 2025.
The policy is designed not only to secure state revenues but also to maintain domestic gold supplies, price stability, and to encourage downstreaming and deepening of the national financial sector.
Djaka emphasised that oversight of gold exports will continue to be tightened, particularly to prevent practices of evading state obligations in the trade of strategic commodities.
This operation represents one of the major discoveries in the export sector of high-value commodities, while also demonstrating that surveillance of strategic goods traffic through air routes is being increasingly stringent.