Purbaya Expresses Displeasure with Jewellery Shops: 'They Steal and Then Act Brazenly!'

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has assured that the Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC) of the Ministry of Finance will consistently take action against jewellery shops selling goods illegally.

He stated that the government will address all illegal economic activities, especially those conducted openly, as this indicates a disregard for the government’s authority.

“So, as people say, these businesses steal, and then sell their goods right in front of us, acting brazenly. This is like insulting the government,” said Purbaya at his office in Jakarta, quoted on Wednesday (February 25, 2026).

As is known, after sealing three Tiffany & Co stores in three luxury shopping malls in Jakarta some time ago, the Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC) Jakarta again sealed the luxury jewellery store Toko Bening Luxury Pluit, Penjaringan, North Jakarta.

Purbaya emphasized that the various jewellery shops in the Jakarta area that were sealed by the Directorate General of Customs and Excise did so because the goods they sold did not meet the obligation to pay import duties.

“Yes, the goods are from Spain (stolen), or smuggled. This means that some of them did not pay import duties at all, some paid 50%, some paid 25%, and the customs officials will assess the situation,” he said.

However, Purbaya admitted that he did not yet know the total losses to the state caused by the imported jewellery sold by the various jewellery shops in Jakarta.

“I have not yet received a report on the total losses. But in the future, we will definitely look into it,” said Purbaya.

This action by the Directorate General of Customs and Excise has also received a response from Commission XI of the DPR. They have even planned to hold a meeting to request an explanation regarding the actions taken to seal a number of jewellery shops in the Jakarta area.

The Deputy Chairman of Commission XI of the DPR from the PKB faction, Hanif Dhakiri, said that this request for an explanation was made to ensure that the law enforcement actions taken by the Directorate General of Customs and Excise do not cause unrest and disrupt business stability, while still securing state revenue.

“Commission XI will request an official explanation so that this action continues to protect state revenue, upholds justice for businesses that comply, and does not cause unrest or disrupt business stability. The point is, law enforcement is necessary, but it must be fair, measured, and proportional,” said Hanif to CNBC Indonesia, Wednesday (February 25, 2026).

However, the Minister of Manpower for the period 2014-2019 acknowledged that the actions taken by the Directorate General of Customs and Excise in sealing a number of jewellery shops were appropriate, because taking action against illegal imports or goods that do not pay import duties and taxes is indeed the authority of that agency.

“Their job is not only to guard the borders, but also to carry out supervision and customs control within the country,” he stressed.

However, Hanif reminded that enforcement must still be based on data, intelligence, and clear legal procedures, so that there is certainty for businesses.

“If there is strong evidence of smuggling, sealing is justified. But if it is an administrative issue, it is better to prioritize clarification and guidance. It should not be the case that enforcement is strict at the end, while supervision at the beginning is weak,” he said.