TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Directorate of Customs and Excise is committed to monitoring and tackling illegal cigarette distribution; in line with the Finance Minister decree on cigarette tax hike. Disincentive to cigarette smuggling is taken into account in the decision to increase the cigarette tax.
“Throughout 2016, the Customs and Excise has handled 1,350 cases of illegal tobacco, which include imported tobacco. The Customs and Excise has confiscated 156.2 million cigarettes worth Rp116.2 billion,” said Director General of Customs and Excise Heru Pambudi in a written statement on Tuesday, October 11, 2016.
Heru said the number of cases was the highest since 2013, when customs handled 635 cases and confiscated 94.1 million cigarettes worth over Rp52 billion.
In 2014, the customs department handled 901 cases and confiscated 120 million cigarettes worth Rp118.56 billion. Whereas in 2015, the cases jumped to 1,232 and 89.6 million cigarettes worth 90.68 billion were confiscated.
Therefore, the government expects support from all parties in the effort. “Particularly from law enforcement agencies and the community to ensure the effectiveness and smoothness of the government policy,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Indonesian Cigarette Producers Association (GAPPRI) chairman Ismanu said GAPPRI supports the Customs and Excise’s enforcement measures against illegal cigarette distribution.
INGE KLARA