Soekarno-Hatta Customs Office steps up checks on international passengers' belongings

TANGERANG (ANTARA) – The Soekarno-Hatta Customs and Excise Office in Tangerang, Banten, has tightened surveillance on international passengers’ belongings, particularly high-value commodities requiring customs compliance. Head of Soekarno-Hatta Customs and Excise, Hengky Tomuan Parlindungan Aritonang, said on Tuesday that the enhanced surveillance measures aim to prevent customs violations that could harm the state. ‘Customs, along with relevant stakeholders, continues to strengthen surveillance through passenger profiling and inter-agency coordination to ensure all export activities comply with applicable regulations,’ he said. According to him, the heightened scrutiny on high-value goods follows a government directive under Ministry of Finance Regulation No. 80 of 2025 on the imposition of export duty and rate on gold exports. However, he noted that passengers carrying jewellery or gold in any form must declare them to the relevant authorities. ‘This policy is implemented to support national industrial downstreaming while optimising state revenue from high-value commodities,’ he added. The seizure of several kilograms of gold followed enforcement actions against 12 passengers carrying exported goods,’ he said. Between April and May 2026, Customs, in collaboration with Avsec and the Tangerang Police District at Soekarno-Hatta Airport, took action against 12 passengers smuggling gold exports,’ he said. He revealed that during the April to May 2026 enforcement period, 12 passengers were found to be smuggling gold exports illegally. The offenders were Chinese nationals. ‘There were 12 passengers, including 11 Chinese nationals and one Indonesian,’ he said. According to him, joint surveillance operations on passengers’ belongings detected suspicious high-density metals. Inspections revealed gold in various forms and weights concealed in luggage, pockets, and worn as necklaces. ‘They attempted to smuggle the gold out of Indonesia in various ways, including hiding it in luggage, pockets, or wearing it as jewellery weighing up to 500 grams,’ he said. In response, Customs conducted customs research and laboratory testing to determine the purity in accordance with customs laws and regulations. Furthermore, investigations revealed the passengers intended to resell the gold in Hong Kong. ‘We suspect they are couriers, and the items appear unfinished. They are likely to be melted down and turned into jewellery at the destination,’ he said.