Kupang Customs Seizes Over 1.1 Million Illegal Cigarettes, Deposits Rp 2 Billion into State Coffers
The Kupang Customs and Excise Office (KPPBC Tipe Madya Pabean C Kupang) has remitted more than Rp 2 billion to the state treasury from enforcement actions against the circulation of illegal cigarettes. The funds, totalling Rp 2,028,692,000, were collected between January and June 2026 through legal enforcement in the excise sector.
Head of Kupang Customs Machbub Dumron stated that the revenue resulted from 89 enforcement operations conducted in Kupang City and its surrounding areas. “Throughout January to June 2026, Kupang Customs successfully deposited Rp 2,028,692,000 through the Ultimum Remedium law enforcement mechanism or administrative sanctions in the excise field,” Machbub said in a press release on Monday (27/7/2026).
During these operations, officers confiscated 1,149,457 illegal cigarettes of various brands that violated excise laws and regulations. According to Machbub, the series of crackdowns was part of the intensively implemented Operation ASAP (Amankan Sumber Asal Penerimaan). “This massive Operation ASAP is not solely about legal enforcement but also serves as a persuasive measure. We directly visit kiosks and retail shops to educate owners about the dangers and legal consequences of trading illegal cigarettes,” Machbub explained.
In addition to enforcement, Kupang Customs continues to intensify outreach to shop and kiosk owners, urging them not to sell cigarettes without official excise bands. Machbub stressed that the circulation of illegal cigarettes not only harms state revenue but also creates unfair business competition. “Selling cigarettes without official excise bands not only harms state finances but can also lead to legal sanctions,” he asserted.
He appealed to business operators not to be tempted by cheap cigarette offers from illegal distributors. “We strongly urge shop and retail kiosk owners not to be lured by low-price offers from illegal cigarette distributors,” he added. Machbub also encouraged the public to report any indications of illegal cigarette circulation through Kupang Customs’ official complaint channels.
“Through a combination of firm enforcement and education, Kupang Customs is optimistic about suppressing the circulation of illegal cigarettes in East Nusa Tenggara while safeguarding state revenue,” Machbub concluded. Business operators were reminded to watch for four characteristics of illegal cigarettes: those without excise bands, those using fake excise bands, those using used excise bands, and those using excise bands not in accordance with their designation.