West Java Legislator Calls for Deterrent Effect on Illegal Cigarette Traffickers

It is not enough to simply conduct raids and destroy goods; there must be a deterrent effect.

Aten Munajat, a member of Commission V of the West Java Provincial DPRD, stated that competent authorities must create a deterrent effect against those involved in the distribution of illegal cigarettes to prevent continuous losses to the state caused by untaxed circulation.

“It is not just about raids followed by destruction; the regulations must provide a deterrent effect,” Aten said in Garut Regency on Saturday.

He noted that local governments, through the Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP) and Customs, have been actively conducting operations to eradicate illegal cigarettes circulating within the West Java region.

Referring to the destruction of approximately four million sticks of cigarettes held at Garut Square on Wednesday (24/6), he added that such cases must be investigated to ensure the manufacturers are prosecuted under the law.

“We, the DPRD for the Garut constituency, appreciate the penalties associated with the destruction of illegal cigarettes,” he said.

However, he argued that the issue of illegal cigarettes should not become a repetitive cycle of raids and destruction; instead, enforcement must be thorough, reaching the factories or parties producing the illegal products.

He mentioned receiving information that illegal cigarettes circulating in West Java are actually supplied from outside the province, meaning West Java is not a supplier but merely a target market.

“Enforcement is necessary so that these goods are not continuously brought into West Java,” he added.

He further stated that authorised officials in West Java should not only focus on destroying evidence of illegal cigarettes but should also coordinate with law enforcement agencies in other regions to take decisive action against the producers of illegal cigarettes.

“There is no harm in coordinating with government authorities in other regions for further enforcement action,” he concluded.