Police Calculating Potential State Losses in Illegal Peanut Import Case
Polda Metro Jaya is still investigating the illegal import of 49.85 tonnes of peanuts from India in Penjaringan, North Jakarta. In addition to investigating the perpetrators, the police, together with the Directorate General of Taxes and Customs, are in the process of calculating the potential state losses related to this illegal importation.
“Regarding state losses, we are currently conducting an investigation and deepening our findings regarding the losses incurred from these two instances of illegal distribution and receipt. We are still calculating the exact amount of state loss, and we will certainly involve the Directorate of Taxes and Customs officials,” said the Director of Special Crimes of Polda Metro Jaya, Kombes Victor Dean Mackbon, at the location on Wednesday (16/09/2026).
Victor Dean Mackbon explained that the smuggled goods entered Indonesia without meeting mandatory import and quarantine requirements. Initial inspections revealed that the transporters and goods managers were unable to produce three essential documents: the Import Approval (PI) from the Ministry of Trade, the Surveyor Report (LS), and the Plant Quarantine Certificate from the Indonesian Quarantine Agency.
“The perpetrators deceived officers at the port and during land transport by relying solely on internal record sheets and documents that showed signs of being forged,” Victor stated.
Victor noted that this smuggling could result in state losses through unpaid import duties. Furthermore, the import taxes that should have been received by the state are lost due to the smuggling activities.
“The actions taken by the perpetrators have the potential to cause state losses, both by eliminating the revenue that should be obtained from import duties and import taxes,” he said.
In addition, the illegal peanut imports also harm local farmers. The influx of foreign peanuts can create unfair business competition.
“The circulation of illegal goods can harm farmers and businesses that comply with regulations, as these illegal goods have the potential to be sold at lower prices, creating unhealthy business competition,” he added.
In this case, the police are still investigating the responsible parties. The perpetrators will face charges under relevant horticulture laws, the Animal and Plant Quarantine Law, and the Trade Law.
“For now, the investigation is ongoing so that we can identify and construct the case against the perpetrators or those responsible for this illegal trade that we have uncovered,” he explained.
Meanwhile, the Head of Public Relations for Polda Metro Jaya, Kombes Budi Hermanto, stated that the investigation is proceeding professionally based on law enforcement facts.
“Investigators are still deepening their understanding of the entire sequence of events and the involvement of related parties. Every development will be communicated proportionally,” said Budi Hermanto.
Polda Metro Jaya has urged business actors to always comply with existing import regulations and trade procedures. Members of the public who become aware of indications of smuggling or illegal trade can provide information through the Polri 110 service.
In this case, Polda Metro Jaya has seized 458 sacks of peanuts weighing 50 kilograms (kg) each and 1,078 sacks weighing 25 kg each, totalling 49.85 tonnes.