By: Rani Ananda )*
Smuggling is a serious threat to economic sovereignty and national stability. It not only harms the country in terms of tax revenue and import duties, but also disrupts the domestic business climate, damages the quality of products in circulation, and can endanger the community if the smuggled goods do not meet safety and health standards. Seeing this destructive impact, the government has emphasized its commitment to continue strengthening efforts to eradicate smuggling in various sectors, from consumer goods, fuel oil, to wildlife and narcotics.
This commitment is reflected in various strategic and systematic steps taken by related agencies, especially the Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC), the Police, the TNI, and other supervisory institutions. One concrete step that deserves appreciation is the improvement of surveillance technology at ports and borders. The government has strengthened the automated detection system and implemented scanning technology (x-ray scanner and AI-based analysis) to speed up and streamline the inspection process without reducing accuracy. Investment in this technology proves the government’s seriousness in monitoring smuggling-prone areas in a sophisticated and accurate manner.
Director General of Customs and Excise of the Ministry of Finance, Djaka Budi Utama said that his party will synergize with the TNI and Polri in an effort to eradicate smuggling practices which have so far been a gap in the state revenue system. This step is part of President Prabowo Subianto’s order asking him to oversee the performance of the Directorate General of Customs and Excise in supporting state revenues, especially from the customs sector. Coordination with law enforcement officers is the key to closing the gaps that have been exploited by perpetrators of smuggling goods into and out of Indonesia.
In addition, synergy between institutions is also the key to success in eradicating smuggling. This collaborative approach strengthens the intelligence system and accelerates the response to potential cross-border smuggling. With joint patrols, integrated sea operations, and real-time exchange of intelligence data, surveillance of Indonesia’s vast waters can be carried out more effectively.
Equally important are prevention efforts through education and public campaigns. The government realizes that smuggling occurs not only because of weak supervision, but also because of the low awareness of some communities regarding the negative impacts of this illegal practice. Therefore, education for business actors, port workers, and border communities is part of a holistic strategy. The government is actively socializing import regulations, prohibitions on certain goods, and legal sanctions through various media, including social media, community radio, and public information service centers.
Strict law enforcement is also a strong indicator of the government’s commitment. In recent years, we have witnessed a number of major smuggling cases that have been successfully uncovered and tried transparently. The government does not hesitate to impose criminal and administrative sanctions on perpetrators, including revoking business licenses for corporations involved. This approach not only provides a deterrent effect, but also shows the public that the law is truly enforced without discrimination. In many cases, smuggling involves not only individuals, but also organized networks that have cross-country access. Therefore, firm and structured handling is the main key.
Meanwhile, the Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs, General of Police (Ret.) Budi Gunawan said that the state will always be present to protect the community, including from the dangers of drug smuggling and distribution. This affirmation is an appreciation for the success of the Indonesian Navy which has thwarted the smuggling of large amounts of drugs through sea routes in the Riau Islands region several days ago. As the person in charge of the Drug Eradication Coordination Desk, he emphasized that this success reflects the synergy between government agencies, law enforcement officers, and the community in overcoming drug abuse and smuggling.
The government’s achievements in this regard have also been recognized by various parties, including international institutions. This shows that the government’s commitment is not just a domestic discourse, but has become part of the global responsibility to maintain the integrity of international trade. Although challenges still exist, especially related to the vast territory of Indonesia, limited surveillance personnel, and the continued development of smuggling modes, the government continues to demonstrate consistency in strengthening infrastructure, human resources, and regulations. One proof of the seriousness of t
