Thousands of Illegal Goods Destroyed by Sangatta Customs, East Kutai Police, and Related Agencies
Thousands of illegal goods entering Indonesian territory through East Kutai Regency, East Kalimantan, were destroyed on Tuesday by the East Kutai Police together with the Sangatta Type C Intermediate Customs and Excise Supervision and Service Office (KPPBC) and related agencies. The activity was carried out as a commitment to eradicating the circulation of illegal goods and protecting the public from the negative impacts of unlicensed items.
The destruction, held at the Sangatta Customs and Excise Office, was led by Head of KPPBC TMP C Sangatta Bambang Heru Suhartono and attended by representatives from the East Kutai Police and the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), Head of the Bontang State Assets and Auction Service Office (KPKNL) Anas Waskita Jati, Head of the East Kutai National Narcotics Agency (BNN) AKBP Risnoto, representatives from the East Kutai District Prosecutor’s Office, the North Sangatta District Government, and other invitees.
“The destruction of goods resulting from enforcement actions is a form of accountability to the public for the implementation of supervisory and law enforcement duties in the field of customs and excise,” said Bambang on the sidelines of the activity. He added that the items destroyed were the result of the hard work of Customs officers together with all relevant stakeholders in monitoring and preventing the circulation of illegal goods that could harm the state and endanger the public.
Meanwhile, Head of KPKNL Bontang Anas Waskita Jati stressed that the destruction of illegal goods is part of efforts to protect the public while safeguarding state revenue from the excise sector. Based on data conveyed in an official press release from KPPBC TMP C Sangatta, the destroyed goods resulted from 21 Official Reports of Enforcement (SBP) during the 2025 period, comprising 112,920 sticks of illegal cigarettes and 45 bottles, or 22.5 litres, of illegal beverages containing ethyl alcohol (MMEA).
The total value of the goods reached over Rp172 million, with a potential state loss of Rp112 million and auction proceeds totalling over Rp28 million. “The destruction was carried out symbolically on the illegal cigarettes and illicit liquor which have been designated as State Property and obtained approval for destruction in accordance with applicable regulations,” he affirmed.
Separately, East Kutai Police Chief AKBP Fauzan Arianto, through his statement, expressed appreciation for the synergy established between Customs, the Indonesian National Police, the TNI, the Prosecutor’s Office, BNN, the regional government, and all related parties in efforts to eradicate the circulation of illegal goods in the East Kutai area. He stated that the East Kutai Police fully support the measures taken by Customs in conducting supervision, enforcement, and the destruction of illegal goods. This activity represents a tangible form of the state’s presence in protecting the public from goods that do not meet legal requirements and potentially endanger health and security.
The Police Chief added that the circulation of illegal cigarettes and liquor not only impacts state losses from excise revenue but also potentially causes disruptions to public security and order. “We urge the entire community not to buy, sell, or distribute illegal goods. If you discover any activity involving the circulation of illegal goods, immediately report it to law enforcement officers so that it can be followed up according to applicable regulations,” he concluded.