Monitoring Air Cargo, Customs Seizes 60,000 Illegal Cigarettes Bound for Highland Papua
Jayapura Customs has thwarted two shipments of illegal cigarettes via air cargo from Sentani to the Highland Papua region, seizing a total of 68,820 sticks. The illegal cigarettes were discovered within six packages scheduled for delivery to Oksibil and Wamena through a Regulated Agent at Sentani International Airport.
During the first enforcement action on 31 August 2026, Jayapura Customs inspected two packages suspected of containing illegal cigarettes. The inspection was conducted after officers received information regarding the suspected shipment of illegal excisable goods through a transport service company.
The inspection revealed 709 packs, or approximately 14,140 sticks, of machine-made white cigarettes (SPM) and machine-made clove cigarettes (SKM) from various brands, including Dolar, Este Mild, Gudang Tujuh Sembilan, Humer, KJR Bold Joss, KJR Mild, Lexi, Manchester, Marbol, Marbol Melon Ice, New Mercy, San Marino, Sembodo, and Smith. None of the cigarettes were affixed with excise stamps. The package, weighing approximately 12 kilograms, was intended for transport from Sentani to Oksibil via air cargo.
Furthermore, on Tuesday, 1 September 2026, officers discovered an additional four packages containing 3,040 packs, or approximately 54,680 sticks, of SKM-type cigarettes without excise stamps. These packages, weighing around 17 kilograms, were planned for shipment from Sentani to Wamena through a Regulated Agent at Sentani International Airport.
As a result of these two enforcement actions, Jayapura Customs has secured 3,749 packs, or roughly 68,820 sticks of illegal cigarettes. The value of the goods is estimated at Rp102.9 million, while the potential state losses prevented amount to approximately Rp51.77 million.
The Head of the Jayapura Customs Office, Fungki Awaludin, stated that monitoring distribution points is a vital strategy to prevent the circulation of illegal excisable goods, particularly through goods delivery and air cargo routes.
“Supervision is not only present when goods enter the Papua region, but we are also strengthening it at distribution points that serve as routes for goods moving to other areas. This is essential to detect and stop the circulation of illegal cigarettes as early as possible before they reach the public,” he said.
Regarding the seized goods, Jayapura Customs is conducting further investigations into the suspected violations of excise regulations. Perpetrators may be subject to the provisions of Article 54 and/or Article 56 of Law Number 11 of 1995 concerning Excise, as amended most recently by Law Number 7 of 2021 regarding the Harmonisation of Tax Regulations.
“The eradication of illegal cigarettes is a shared responsibility. With stronger supervision and continuous synergy with stakeholders, we hope the circulation of illegal excisable goods in the Papua region can continue to be suppressed,” concluded Fungki.