Customs Launches Octopus Operation Against Illegal Cigarettes

The Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC) carried out the Octopus Operation on 2 November 2025, targeting illegal cigarette distribution through expedition companies (PJT) and traditional markets in Semarang, Banten and Kotabaru. The operation involved inspections of kiosks, shops and shipments suspected of containing cigarettes without tax stamps.

Cross‑agency coordination included the municipal police (Satpol PP), Kendal District Prosecutor’s Office and the 0715/Kendal military unit in Semarang, as well as cooperation with PJT firms in Banten to monitor deliveries. Officials found that most illegal cigarettes were sold online via Facebook and marketplace platforms, and seized untaxed products after a persuasive resolution with an online store owner.

Earlier, DJBC seized 276,700 illegal cigarettes worth IDR 442.9 million, averting an estimated loss of IDR 225.2 million to the state. The public is urged not to purchase cigarettes lacking tax stamps and to report violations to the nearest DJBC office or the Bravo Customs hotline 1500225.