TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has spoken out regarding the luxury jewelry stores recently sealed by Customs authorities for alleged failure to pay import duties. The Directorate General of Customs and Excise of the Ministry of Finance previously shuttered Tiffany & Co. outlets across several Jakarta malls.
The state treasurer has since demanded a detailed chronology of the enforcement action from his subordinates. "I asked the Customs authority, how did this happen? [It turns out that] most of the goods coming here did not pay, suspected of being smuggled," Purbaya stated at Wisma Danantara on Friday, February 13, 2026.
When asked to provide proof of import or trade forms, the retailer was reportedly unable to produce any. "Some were clearly smuggled, while others only engaged in under-invoicing," Purbaya noted.
Traders are suspected of evading import duties entirely, while others allegedly paid only half of what was owed. There are also suspicions of deliberate under-invoicing, where reported invoice values are lower than the actual transaction prices.
According to Purbaya, the sealing is a warning to other dishonest businesses that deprive the state of tax and customs revenue. Additionally, the Finance Minister suspects the potential involvement of customs officials in the scheme. "It seems so," he remarked.
Furthermore, Purbaya stated that he will investigate the full extent of those involved in the case. He explained that the alleged violations involve former officials, though he has already executed a reshuffle by appointing new enforcement personnel. He considers the current officials' performance to be strong and will continue to monitor the ongoing legal proceedings.
Previously, the Jakarta Regional Customs Office sealed three luxury jewelry stores for alleged import administrative violations. These closures were carried out at high-end locations, including Plaza Senayan, Plaza Indonesia, and Pacific Place.
"We conducted operations related to 'high value goods,' which are premium items we suspect were not declared through proper import notifications," said Siswo Kristyanto, Head of Enforcement at the Jakarta Regional Customs Office, as quoted by Antara.
According to Siswo, there is a possibility of further enforcement actions against other luxury jewelry retailers in Jakarta shopping centers. "For now, three stores are involved, but it is possible that more will be identified in the future beyond just one outlet," he concluded.
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