Indonesian Customs Officials Show Increased Resistance to Bribery

Enhanced Enforcement Activities

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has highlighted that Indonesian Customs officials have become increasingly resistant to bribery due to intensified enforcement measures. The Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC) has been actively conducting raids and inspections, making it harder for illegal activities to go undetected ¹

Recent Major Operations

In a significant operation on December 11, 2025, Customs officials seized 11 million illegal cigarettes at Soekarno-Hatta Airport. The operation resulted in the arrest of three Chinese nationals who were attempting to leave Indonesia. The suspects are currently being held at the Salemba Detention Center, with the Indonesian authorities coordinating with the Chinese embassy regarding the matter ¹

Impact on Corruption

The increased frequency and effectiveness of these operations suggest a positive shift in the integrity of Customs operations. Minister Purbaya emphasized that the enhanced enforcement activities have made Customs officials increasingly difficult to bribe, leading to more successful seizures and prosecutions.