Viral Raid on Illegal Cigarettes at Madura Shop, Tegal Customs Responds

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Tegal Customs and Excise has responded to the viral video circulating on social media showing a search of a Madura shop for illegal cigarettes, which has led to narratives of alleged extortion attempts.

According to the narrative accompanying the viral video, the search was said to have occurred in Balaraja, Tangerang, Banten.

In the approximately 22-second video on platform X, the shop owner is seen questioning the reason for the nighttime inspection.

The officers, dressed in customs uniforms, stated that their working hours are indeed 24 hours.

The shop then requested the officers to show their assignment letter. After that, the video abruptly ends.

In response to the viral video, the Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC) has provided clarification.

The Head of the Internal Compliance and Outreach Section of the Tegal Type Madya Customs Supervision and Service Office Pabean C, Aflachul, confirmed that the two officers in the video are indeed Customs officers conducting an inspection in Balamoa Village, not Balaraja.

“Regarding the inspection activity by Tegal Customs in Balamoa Village (not Balaraja), Tegal Regency, we state that the inspection was indeed carried out by Tegal Customs officers as a follow-up to information from the public regarding suspected illegal cigarette shipments,” he said in an official statement, quoted Friday (8/5/2026).

“The officers present during the task execution have shown their identities and assignment orders to the building manager/guard in accordance with procedures,” he emphasised.

Customs and Excise has denied the allegations of extortion that emerged from the viral video. They also affirmed that during the inspection, there was no request or receipt of money in any form.

“Regarding the alleged extortion, we emphasise that during the inspection, there was no request or receipt of money in any form,” he stated.