started · updated
Indonesia seizes Rp63 billion in smuggled gold at Soekarno-Hatta Airport
Indonesian authorities at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport have intercepted two major gold smuggling attempts, seizing approximately 23.79 kilograms of gold valued at Rp63 billion. The suspects involved include seven Chinese nationals and one Indonesian citizen. Investigators identified two distinct smuggling methods: one where couriers concealed gold within their bodies (genitals and anus), and another involving ground handling staff who facilitated the movement of gold to passengers at loading docks.
Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa suspects that illegal gold mining (PETI) is the primary source supplying these smuggling syndicates. In response, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has pledged to tighten regulations and improve cross-sector coordination with Customs and the Police to combat illegal mining and illicit exports. The intended destinations for the smuggled gold were identified as Hong Kong and Dubai.
Separately, the Indonesian government has released its 2027 Draft State Budget (RAPBN). The budget targets a total state revenue of Rp3,426 trillion, driven by a projected Rp2,908 trillion in tax, customs, and excise revenue. The government aims to maintain a fiscal deficit of 2.4 percent of GDP. Additionally, the budget includes Rp820.9 trillion for education, which incorporates the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program, and Rp735 trillion for regional transfers.
Entities
Directorate General of Customs and Excise · Djaka Budhi Utama · Hengky Tomuan Parlindungan Aritonang · Indonesian National Police · Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources · Ministry of Finance · Polri · Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa · Soekarno-Hatta International Airport
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [DISPUTED] 23.793 kilograms of gold were seized at Soekarno-Hatta Airport. news.republika.co.id · news.harianjogja.com · www.liputan6.com · www.antaranews.com · mediaindonesia.com · +2 more
- [● 2 SOURCES] The suspects include seven Chinese nationals and one Indonesian citizen. news.harianjogja.com · mediaindonesia.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources plans to tighten regulations and cross-sector coordination to combat illegal gold trade. www.antaranews.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] Smugglers used a method of hiding gold inside the body, specifically the genitals or anus. www.liputan6.com · mediaindonesia.com · en.tempo.co
- [● 4 SOURCES] The intended destinations for the gold were Hong Kong and Dubai. news.harianjogja.com · www.liputan6.com · www.antaranews.com · mediaindonesia.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] Smugglers also utilized ground handling staff to move gold to passengers. www.liputan6.com · mediaindonesia.com · en.tempo.co
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Minister of Finance suspects illegal gold mining (PETI) is supplying the smuggling syndicates. news.republika.co.id · www.antaranews.com · en.tempo.co
- [● 7 SOURCES] The value of the seized gold is approximately Rp63 billion. news.republika.co.id · news.harianjogja.com · www.liputan6.com · www.antaranews.com · mediaindonesia.com · +1 more
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Smugglers used modified pants to hide cylindrical gold inside their genitals or anus.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] A second smuggling method involved ground handling staff transferring gold to passengers at the loading dock.
- [DISPUTED] Authorities seized approximately 48 pieces of gold weighing 23.78 kilograms.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The gold shipments were primarily destined for Hong Kong and Dubai. news.harianjogja.com · www.liputan6.com