Sidoarjo Customs and Traders Join Forces to Combat Illegal Cigarettes

Sidoarjo Customs, together with the East Java I Regional Office of the Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC), is strengthening cooperation with local traders to combat the circulation of illegal cigarettes.

Rusman Hadi, head of the East Java I DJBC Regional Office, said in Sidoarjo, East Java, on Monday that the initiative provides a forum for dialogue, allowing officials to hear traders’ concerns, explain excise regulations and raise public awareness of the importance of selling tobacco products that comply with the rules.

“Customs supports people in trading and earning a living legally, so our enforcement is directed at the circulation of illegal cigarettes and violations of excise regulations,” Rusman said.

At an event with the Jingkat Market Traders’ Association (IBPJ), Rusman said excise enforcement was intended not only to punish violations but also to protect traders operating in compliance with the rules and foster fair and healthy competition.

He said the circulation of illegal cigarettes, on which excise obligations have not been paid, could deprive the state of revenue and put traders and producers who follow the rules at a disadvantage.

Rusman explained that combating illegal cigarettes requires the involvement of many parties, including the government, law enforcement agencies, businesses and the public. Education and communication are important to raise awareness of how to identify illegal cigarettes.

Customs also urged traders to choose their stock carefully, ensure that the tobacco products they sell meet excise requirements and refrain from distributing illegal cigarettes.

He added that people seeking information about excise rules and licensing could consult their nearest Customs office to help prevent violations and support lawful trading.

“Through this initiative, we hope to maintain communication with local traders and the media to support efforts to combat illegal cigarettes and create a healthy, fair and sustainable business climate,” Rusman said.

Participants also watched a live online report on the destruction of illegal cigarettes at PT Tri Surya Plastik in Lawang district, Malang regency.

The destruction took place at the company, involving evidence seized during enforcement operations in June 2026. The goods were estimated to be worth Rp9.3 billion, with potential state losses of Rp6.06 billion.