State Nearly Loses Rp41 Billion Due to Smugglers Exporting Gold Jewellery
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - The Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC) has thwarted an attempt to illegally export hundreds of kilograms of gold jewellery that was about to be dispatched by the perpetrators from Halim Perdanakusuma Airport.
In the enforcement action carried out on Monday (27/4/2026), Jakarta Customs officers seized evidence consisting of 60.3 kg of jewellery and 130.262 kg of gold coins, with an estimated potential state loss of Rp41 billion from the evaporation of potential export duty revenue on gold commodities.
“This foiling reflects Customs’ commitment to safeguarding state revenue,” said Director General of Customs and Excise Djaka Budhi Utama during a press conference held at the DJBC Head Office in Jakarta on Tuesday (28/4/2026).
The enforcement stemmed from information received by Customs officers regarding a plan to ship six packages containing gold jewellery and gold coins, suspected of not being declared in the Export Goods Notification (PEB) documents.
The goods were planned to be transported using a chartered aircraft with registration number N117LR, scheduled to take off at 14:30 WIB.
Following up on the information, Customs officers immediately conducted a thorough inspection of the aircraft’s cargo in the apron area of Halim Perdanakusuma Airport.
From the in-depth examination, officers found six packages of gold jewellery in the form of bracelets totalling 611 pieces with a total weight of 60.3 kg valued at US$8.94 million, and 2,971 gold coins with a total weight of 130.262 kg valued at US$19.40 million. The total value of all goods is US$28.34 million, equivalent to Rp502.54 billion.
The carrying of these undeclared export goods was subsequently halted, and Seizure Evidence Letter (SBP) Number SBP27/Mandiri/KBC.0801/2026 dated 27 April 2026 was issued, along with related minutes.
Officers then transported the seized goods to the Jakarta Customs office for further examination. Four parties involved in this case were identified: HH, AH, HG, and a foreign national from India with initials PP.
Based on preliminary calculations, the customs value of the commodities reaches Rp486.07 billion.
Specifically for gold coin commodities under HS Code 7108.12.90, which are subject to a 12.5% export duty tariff in accordance with applicable provisions, the potential state loss from non-fulfilment of export duty obligations is estimated at Rp41.19 billion.
“Gold exports must be conducted transparently and in accordance with regulations so that the state’s rights are fulfilled and domestic supply stability is maintained,” said Djaka.
The government has enacted Finance Ministerial Regulation (PMK) Number 80 of 2025, effective from 17 November 2025, regarding the imposition of export duties on gold commodities. This regulation sets export duty tariffs based on the type and level of gold processing.
“State revenue from this sector ultimately returns to finance development, public services, and support societal welfare,” stated Djaka.