Customs & Excise Officials: KPK Seizes Billions in Cash & Gold

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Indonesia’s anti-corruption agency just seized billions in cash and precious metals. What does this mean for the country’s financial stability?

JAKARTA, February 4, 2026 – The corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) confiscated billions of Rupiah in cash and 3 kg of precious metals during a series of sting operations targeting the Directorate General (DG) of Customs and excise, Ministry of Finance. The scale of the seizure has sent ripples through Jakarta, raising questions about the extent of corruption within the government.

Massive Cash and Gold Seizure Signals Deep-Rooted Issues

The KPK’s operation uncovered a substantial amount of illicit funds, suggesting a possibly widespread network of corruption.

• The KPK seized billions of rupiah in cash, both in local and foreign currencies.
• Approximately 3 kilograms of precious metals were also confiscated.
• The operation targeted officials within the Directorate General of Customs and Excise.
• Several individuals were arrested in Lampung and Jakarta.
• A former Director of Inquiry and Enforcement at Customs is among those detained.

“For evidence there is cash, both Rupiah and foreign currency and also precious metals. For money worth billions of Rupiah,” said KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo at the Red and White Building in Jakarta on Wednesday.

The KPK also arrested a number of parties in Lampung and Jakarta during the operation.Several individuals have already arrived at the KPK’s Red and White House for questioning,while others are en route.

did you know? – Indonesia’s KPK was established in 2002 following widespread public demand for a dedicated anti-corruption body. It has broad powers to investigate, prosecute, and prevent corruption.

What kind of corruption was uncovered in this sting operation? The KPK suspects that the alleged criminal activity involves corruption related to import activities carried out by members of the Directorate General of Customs and Excise in collaboration wiht private parties.

Budi Prasetyo confirmed that one of those arrested was the former Director of Investigation and Enforcement at the Directorate General of Customs and Excise. “The person concerned is an echelon 2 official in Customs. Actually,he’s already a former director of investigations and prosecution. That was what was then secured in the Lampung area,” he said.

KPK Deputy Chairman Fitroh Rohcahyanto initially confirmed the operation in Jakarta on Wednesday,stating,”Yes,that’s right.” Though, he has not yet revealed the identities of all officials involved or the specific nature of the alleged corruption.

Pro tip – corruption in customs often involves bribery to facilitate the illegal import or export of goods,or to undervalue imports to avoid taxes.

Why did this happen? The KPK believes the corruption centered around illicit gains from import activities. Officials allegedly colluded with private entities to manipulate import processes for personal enrichment.Who was involved? The KPK has arrested multiple individuals, including a former Director of Investigation and Enforcement at Customs, and is questioning others. The investigation extends to both officials in Lampung and Jakarta. What was seized? Billions of Rupiah in cash (both local and foreign currencies) and approximately 3 kilograms of precious metals were confiscated. How did it end? The KPK initiated sting operations, leading to arrests and the seizure of assets. The investigation is ongoing,with further details expected as the KPK continues it’s inquiry and prepares for potential prosecutions.

Reader question – What systemic changes are needed to prevent corruption within Indonesia’s Customs and Excise Directorate? Share your thoughts.

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