Indonesian Finance Minister Uncovers Illegal Imports at Tanjung Perak Port

Nighttime Illegal Imports Revealed

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa disclosed that illegal imports frequently arrive at Tanjung Perak Port during nighttime hours. The revelation came during a recent visit to the Customs Supervision and Service Office at Tanjung Perak. Purbaya shared his findings at the Ministry of Finance in Jakarta on November 14, 2025.

Under Invoicing Practices Uncovered

Despite the visit occurring during the day, officials still managed to discover one container involved in under invoicing practices. This practice involves importers deliberately stating lower values on import invoices than the actual price. The discovery was made during a visit on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. Purbaya recounted the experience, "We came during the day and still found one container with under invoicing. They thought they had prepared everything neatly, but they underestimated my scrutiny."

Implications for Customs Enforcement

The findings highlight significant challenges in Indonesia's customs enforcement and import monitoring system. The prevalence of illegal imports arriving at night suggests potential vulnerabilities in after-hours supervision at major ports like Tanjung Perak. Moreover, the discovery of under invoicing during a daytime visit indicates that customs evasion practices remain persistent.

Government Response

Purbaya's visit and subsequent revelations demonstrate the government's commitment to strengthening customs supervision and combating import fraud. The Ministry of Finance is likely to face pressure to enhance monitoring measures, particularly during nighttime operations at key ports. The discovery of under invoicing practices also underscores the need for more robust customs valuation procedures to prevent revenue leakage.