“I will continue to encourage and ensure that the smuggling prevention and eradication desk works sustainably to synergize ministries and agencies to eradicate smuggling in Indonesia,” the minister said in an official statement received in Jakarta on Friday.
According to Gunawan, cross-sector cooperation is essential to prosecute smugglers who operate in a complex and organized manner.
Through cross-agency cooperation, the government can easily secure all entry and exit points into Indonesian territory by land, sea, and air routes.
“The government is committed to strengthening security and law enforcement, especially in maritime areas prone to being used as cross-border smuggling routes,” he said.
Earlier, the director general of customs and excise announced the close of integrated operations for the first half of 2025 and the launch of a special task force for eradicating smuggling.
He also shared the findings of the Sriwijaya and Wallacea operations conducted from May 1 to July 7, 2025, which recorded 16 attempts to smuggle contraband such as narcotics, tin sand, illegal cigarettes, textile products, as well as basic commodities during the period.
In one of the most prominent drug busts, officials seized a record two tons of methamphetamine that was being transported on a vessel called MV Sea Dragon Tarawa.
“I also appreciate this, which demonstrates the performance of the prevention and smuggling desk in eradicating smuggling, enforcing the law, and safeguarding Indonesia’s economic sovereignty through strong and strategic maritime surveillance,” he said.
Translator: Walda Marison, Asri Mayang Sari
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
