Like Corrupt Officials Harming State, Illegal Cigarette Traffickers to be Exposed by KPK
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has detained Budiman Bayu Prasojo, Head of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Section at the Directorate General of Customs, in connection with a bribery case involving imports of goods through Customs. This case is linked to the proliferation of illegal cigarette circulation in Indonesia.
The KPK stated that the widespread circulation of illegal cigarettes is connected to suspected corruption within the Directorate General of Customs of the Ministry of Finance.
“Is this related to the illegal cigarettes currently circulating? Yes, that is correct,” said Asep Guntur Rahayu, Deputy for Enforcement and Execution at the KPK, as cited on Saturday (28 February 2026).
He explained that one of the corruption methods used involved the use of forged customs stamps. Additionally, perpetrators have used customs taxes that should not have been applied.
“Some of the customs duties are counterfeit or falsified. There are also cases where individuals use customs taxes that should not be used,” he stated.
He provided an example of the difference in customs duty rates between cigarettes manufactured by machine and those made by hand. However, perpetrators would purchase them at a lower price than required.
This conduct ultimately results in state losses, according to Asep.
“Cigarettes produced by machine have different customs duties compared to those made by hand. So some individuals purchase lower-priced customs duties in larger quantities compared to higher-priced customs duties, and as a result, the state is harmed,” he said.
The KPK also confirmed that cigarette manufacturers will be summoned. However, no further information was provided regarding which specific companies or individuals would be questioned by the agency.
“Will cigarette manufacturers be summoned? Certainly. Based on statements from this person and others. Which companies, which individuals. That is the approach,” he concluded.