Eyewitness – Badung
July 28, 2026
A joint operation between Indonesian Customs (Bea Cukai) and the Strategic Intelligence Agency of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (BAIS TNI) has thwarted the distribution of 19,142 bottles—or approximately 14,400.36 liters—of illegal alcoholic beverages in Bali bearing suspected counterfeit excise stamps. The enforcement action reflects ongoing collaborative efforts to ensure public safety, foster a fair business climate, and support the sustainability of Bali’s tourism sector.
The seized evidence comprises Category B and C alcoholic beverages of various brands, valued at an estimated IDR 12.55 billion. The bust has successfully safeguarded an estimated IDR 2.14 billion in potential state revenue losses.
The investigation was initiated following intelligence indicating the distribution and stockpiling of illicit liquor in the Denpasar region. Acting on the lead, a combined force consisting of the Customs Directorate of Enforcement and Investigation, the Regional Customs Office for Bali, NTB, and NTT, Denpasar Customs, and BAIS TNI launched an operation on Thursday (July 23).
Officers intercepted a vehicle on Jalan Padma in Legian, Badung, shortly after it departed a facility on Jalan Laksamana III, Banjar Babakan Sari, East Denpasar. A search revealed alcoholic beverages affixed with forged excise stamps. Based on statements from the driver, officers subsequently raided two buildings at the source location, discovering thousands more bottles across multiple brands bearing fake stamps. All seized evidence was transported to the Regional Customs Office for Bali, NTB, and NTT for further processing.
Director General of Customs and Excise, Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Djaka Budhi Utama, stated that the successful raid demonstrates the vital role of inter-agency collaboration in protecting the public and maintaining healthy market competition.
“This enforcement is the result of strong synergy between Customs, BAIS TNI, alongside coordination with the National Police and the Attorney General’s Office,” Djaka said. “Such collaboration is crucial to curbing the distribution of illicit excisable goods that pose risks to the public, disadvantage compliant business owners, and erode state revenues.”
Djaka emphasized that monitoring illegal alcohol distribution is equally critical to protecting the integrity of Bali’s tourism ecosystem as Indonesia’s top destination.
”We want to ensure that both locals and tourists consume products that meet regulatory standards, while providing business certainty for compliant vendors. Ultimately, this fosters a fair and conducive environment for the legitimate industry,” he added.
The case has advanced to the formal investigation phase under the Regional Customs Office for Bali, NTB, and NTT, in coordination with the Civil Servant Investigator Coordination Supervisor (Korwas PPNS) under the Bali Regional Police’s Special Criminal Investigation Directorate, as well as prosecutors from the Bali High Prosecutor’s Office. Investigators are currently examining witnesses and collecting evidence to establish suspects.
The perpetrators are suspected of violating Article 54 and/or Article 56 of Law No. 11 of 1995 concerning Excise, as amended by Law No. 39 of 2007. Article 54 prohibits offering, delivering, selling, or supplying for sale excisable goods without proper excise stamps affixed. Meanwhile, Article 56 penalizes the stockpiling, storing, possessing, selling, exchanging, acquiring, or providing excisable goods known or reasonably suspected to originate from excise offenses.
Customs urges the public to refrain from buying, selling, or distributing illicit excisable goods and to report any suspected excise violations immediately. Public participation remains a key factor in building fair trade practices, protecting consumers, and supporting compliant industries.
Reporter: Daniel Herry
