Indonesian police launch task force to curb smuggling losses

 Indonesia's National Police (Polri) confirmed the establishment of a law enforcement task force dedicated to preventing losses to state finances from smuggling activities nationwide.

"We have formed a law enforcement task force to combat smuggling crimes that drain the state's wealth, as instructed by Polri Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo," Director of Special Economic Crimes Brig. Gen. Ade Safri Simanjuntak remarked.

In a statement cited in Jakarta on Thursday, he noted that the team's establishment reflects strong police support for President Joko Widodo's push for political, legal, and bureaucratic reforms, as well as heightened measures against corruption, drug abuse, gambling, and smuggling.

"The president has ordered our chief to take stern law enforcement action against any crimes that cause leaks in state revenue, finance, or wealth, such as smuggling and corruption," Simanjuntak affirmed.

He further explained that the task force is assigned to operate against all forms of smuggling, both inbound and outbound, including illegal shipments of natural resources.

"Our operations cover smuggling carried out within customs areas through modus operandi like under-invoicing, as well as violations perpetrated beyond official checkpoints—known as physical smuggling," he added.

Simanjuntak noted that similar teams had been set up by all regional police offices across the country.

The officer reiterated that Polri is committed to making all efforts to fight smuggling crimes to safeguard the national economy.

"We are determined to provide maximum protection for the country's natural wealth, safeguard sources of state revenue, and take firm and indiscriminate law enforcement measures in a bid to strengthen economic resilience, which forms the foundation of sovereignty," he concluded.