Customs Thwarts Illegal Gold Export, Prevents State Loss of Rp41 Billion

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC) of the Ministry of Finance has thwarted an attempt to illegally export 190.56 kilograms of gold, thereby preventing a potential state loss amounting to Rp41.19 billion.

The enforcement action stemmed from information regarding the planned shipment of six packages containing gold jewellery and gold coins, which were allegedly not declared in the Goods Export Notification (PEB) documents. The shipment was scheduled to be transported via a chartered aircraft with registration number N117LR.

“Based on this information, officers conducted inspection measures, enabling us to foil the smuggling attempt involving a total of 190 kilograms of gold,” stated Director General of Customs and Excise Djaka Budhi Utama during a press conference at the DJBC Headquarters in Jakarta on Tuesday.

The inspection targeted the chartered aircraft with registration number N117LR, scheduled to depart at 14:30 WIB from Halim Perdanakusuma Airport in Jakarta.

The total value of all the goods amounted to US$28.35 million, equivalent to Rp502.55 billion.

The undeclared export goods were subsequently seized, and a Seizure Evidence Letter (SBP) No. SBP-27/Mandiri/KBC.0801/2026 dated 27 April 2026 was issued.

Four parties involved in this case are HH, AH, HG, and a foreign national from India with initials PP.

Specifically, for the gold coin commodity under HS Code 7108.12.90, which is subject to an export duty rate of 12.5% in accordance with applicable regulations, the potential state loss from the failure to fulfil export duty obligations is estimated at Rp41.19 billion.

“Gold exports must be conducted transparently and in accordance with regulations to ensure the state’s rights are fulfilled and domestic supply stability is maintained. State revenues from this sector ultimately return to fund development, public services, and support societal welfare,” said Djaka.

The government has previously regulated the imposition of export duties on gold commodities through Minister of Finance Regulation (PMK) No. 80 of 2025, effective from 17 November 2025.

Meanwhile, gold in granular form or other forms is subject to tariffs of 10% to 12.5%, and gold dore is subject to higher tariffs of 12.5% to 15%.

These policies aim to maintain domestic gold availability, stabilise prices, and encourage value addition through domestic processing and deepening of the national financial sector.