Customs Launches Education Drive to Halt Illegal Cigarette Trade

On 30 November 2025, the Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC) launched an education and outreach campaign in Jakarta, Jambi, Pematangsiantar, Bandung and Bireuen to curb the distribution of illegal cigarettes. The program targets market traders and the general public to raise awareness of unregistered tobacco products.

Illegal cigarettes pose health risks, distort fair competition, and reduce state revenue from tobacco excise, which can lower the state budget (APBN) and trigger layoffs in the tobacco sector. DJBC partnered with Satpol PP (regional public order police) and organized market briefings, talk shows, farmer training, and information on the Tobacco Excise Revenue Sharing Fund (DBH CHT) to strengthen local capacity.

DJBC expects the public to report suspected illegal cigarette activity, as sales of such products constitute a criminal offense. Customs officials reaffirm their commitment to work closely with communities in the ongoing fight against illegal tobacco.