Jakarta — The government continues to demonstrate a firm and ongoing commitment to maintaining economic sovereignty and national security by increasing supervision of smuggling practices throughout Indonesia.
Under the direction of President Prabowo Subianto, the Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC) of the Ministry of Finance is collaborating with the TNI and Polri to strengthen cross-sector synergy in eradicating smuggling loopholes that are detrimental to state revenues. These steps emphasize the government’s seriousness in maintaining sovereignty, economic stability, and national security through increasingly strict and integrated supervision.
Director General of Customs and Excise Djaka Budhi Utama said that cooperation with law enforcement officers is a strategic step to close illegal ports that often become entry and exit routes for illegal goods.
“We want to ensure that there is no smuggling or at least minimize this practice so that state revenues can be optimal,” he said in a press conference.
This step is in line with the hopes of Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati who emphasized the importance of coordination between agencies in maintaining state revenues, both from the tax and customs sectors. She emphasized the importance of maintaining the credibility of tax and customs agencies so that they continue to gain full trust from the public and business actors
Not only the customs sector, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has also shown firm steps. From January to May 2025, KKP managed to save potential state losses of IDR 774.3 billion by taking action against 32 illegal fishing vessels and controlling illegal fish aggregating devices (FADs) that threaten the marine ecosystem and the sustainability of local fishermen.
On the other hand, the Indonesian Navy managed to thwart an attempt to smuggle 1.9 tons of cocaine and crystal methamphetamine by a Thai-flagged ship in the Durian Strait, Riau Islands. This success shows the effectiveness of collaboration between the Indonesian Navy, Customs, BNN, and Polri in breaking the chain of international narcotics networks.
Deputy of the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Inspector General of Police Asep Jenal Ahmadi emphasized that the state is present and committed to breaking up the narcotics network for the safety of the nation’s generation. The government also ensures that all officers involved will be given appropriate awards for their dedication.
By strengthening cross-sector supervision, the government shows its seriousness in maintaining the integrity of the country’s sovereignty and economy, as well as guaranteeing national security from the threat of illegal trade.
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