Indonesian Customs reports evolving gold smuggling methods

The Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC) of the Indonesian Ministry of Finance has reported an increase in the diversity of illegal gold export smuggling methods. During October 2026, enforcement actions were carried out across five international airports.

Priyono Triatmojo, Director of Enforcement and Investigation at Customs, noted a shift in tactics. While smugglers previously carried solid gold or jewelry as concealed items, they have transitioned to using “inserters”—hiding gold within specific body parts. Furthermore, the form of the gold has shifted from solid pieces to powder.

Recent seizures include 4.26 kilograms of gold ore powder valued at Rp9.3 billion in Yogyakarta, 1,144 grams of gold powder valued at Rp2.9 billion in Surabaya, and 13.634 kilograms of gold powder found in 39 capsules at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.