Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta.  The Directorate General of Customs and Excise is aiming to establish a national task force to combat illegal cigarettes by the end of this year.

“Yes, we’ll announce it soon. The target is this year,” said Nirwala Dwi Heryanto, the Director of Communication and User Guidance, on Monday (23/6/2025)

He emphasized that forming the task force is part of the government’s commitment to boost revenue and strengthen enforcement. 

“It’s key to optimizing both revenue collection and oversight,” Nirwala said, as quoted by antaranews.com

Director General Djaka Budi Utama previously said the task force will focus on law enforcement and deterrence, following a reported 13.2% drop in enforcement actions. However, the volume of confiscated cigarettes rose by 32% to 285.81 million sticks, indicating more effective operations.

To intensify the crackdown, simultaneous enforcement operations are being planned across Indonesia.

Customs revenue reached IDR 122.9 trillion this year—40.7% of the national target.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)