Prosecutors Seek Three-Year Sentence for Man Accused of Smuggling 797 Undocumented iPhones from Batam
Customs case centers on alleged attempt to move imported iPhones from Batam to West Kalimantan
Prosecutors in Batam are seeking a three-year prison sentence for a man accused of smuggling hundreds of imported mobile phones without customs documents, in a case that authorities say caused significant losses to state revenue.
Prosecutors Seek Prison Term and Fine
Public prosecutors have demanded a three-year prison sentence for defendant Rio Susanto in a Batam District Court trial over the alleged smuggling of imported mobile phones without customs documentation. The demand was delivered before a judicial panel chaired by Douglas Napitupulu, with judges Randi Jastian and Elen as members.
Prosecutor Gilang Prasetyo said Rio had been proven legally and convincingly guilty under Article 102(f) of Indonesia’s amended Customs Law. In addition to the prison term, prosecutors are also seeking a fine of Rp250 million, or approximately SGD 20,000.
Case Began With WhatsApp Contact
According to prosecutors, the case began when Rio was contacted on WhatsApp on Sept. 26, 2025, by a man identified as Arik, who is now a fugitive. Arik allegedly instructed Rio to collect hundreds of mobile phones in Batam and transport them to Sintete, West Kalimantan.
Rio then traveled from Tanjungpinang to Batam through Tanjung Uban Roro Port using a Honda CR-V. On Sept. 27, 2025, at around 11 a.m., he allegedly collected the phones from another man, Ajan, in the Baloi Garden area of Batam. Ajan is also currently wanted.
Hundreds of iPhones Found in Vehicle
Prosecutors said the goods consisted of 797 Apple iPhones of various models, all in used condition. After collecting the shipment, Rio allegedly drove toward Telaga Punggur Roro Port to cross by ferry.
At around noon, while the vehicle was queuing to board the ferry, customs officers conducted an inspection. Inside the car, they found two suitcases and four bags containing eight boxes filled with 797 iPhones that allegedly had no customs documentation.
State Losses Estimated at Over Rp710 Million
Authorities said the seized phones included 558 iPhone 11 units, 199 iPhone 12 Mini units, 37 iPhone 12 units, one iPhone 12 Pro, and two iPhone 13 Mini units. Based on expert customs testimony, the total customs value of the goods was estimated at Rp3.38 billion.
Because the required customs obligations were allegedly not fulfilled, the state is estimated to have suffered potential tax revenue losses of Rp710,996,223, or approximately SGD 56,880, from import income tax and value-added tax.
Defense Requests Time for Plea
In its argument, the prosecution said the defendant’s actions harmed state finances and violated customs regulations. After hearing the sentencing demand, Rio Susanto, through his legal counsel, asked the panel for time to prepare a written defense submission.
The trial will continue at the next hearing, when the defense is scheduled to present its plea before the court.
The Batam customs case highlights the continued challenge of illegal electronics trafficking through one of Indonesia’s busiest border trade zones. For Indonesians, the case underscores the financial cost of customs violations and the pressure on authorities to tighten enforcement. For Singaporeans, it also reflects how closely Batam’s informal trade flows remain tied to wider regional supply chains, where smuggling cases can carry both fiscal and cross-border implications.
Sources: Batampos (2026) , Batam Insight (2026)
Keywords: Rio Susanto Trial, Batam Customs Case, 797 iPhones Seized, Undocumented Imports, Customs Smuggling Indonesia