Customs Director Vows Improvements to Avert Possible Freeze

Jakarta, December 3 2025 – Director General of Customs and Excise (DJBC), Djaka Budhi Utama, said the government has issued a one‑year ultimatum to improve the agency’s performance after concerns about its public image. If the improvements are not achieved, the Finance Minister may freeze DJBC, a measure reminiscent of the freeze imposed during the New Order era.

Djaka outlined that the reform will start with stronger supervision at ports and airports, using artificial intelligence (AI) to spot under invoicing (declaring a lower value for imported goods than the actual price). He also pledged to upgrade customs and excise services to become more transparent and responsive to taxpayers.

Enhanced DJBC performance is expected to reduce public complaints and ensure smooth goods flow, avoiding adverse effects on staff and the national economy. Authorities will monitor progress over the next year before deciding on any further action.