The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) raids PT Djarum and Kudus Customs Office for over a trillion rupiah in excise fraud
Investigators from Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission raided the headquarters of PT Djarum and the Kudus Customs and Excise Office in Central Java, targeting an excise fraud scheme estimated in the trillions of rupiah. The raids, confirmed by KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo on October 29, 2026, stem from a newly issued general investigation warrant targeting state revenue losses in the tobacco excise sector.
The operation follows a broader crackdown on the Directorate General of Customs and Excise that began with a sting operation in February 2026. Anti-graft teams seized electronic evidence and physical documents during the ongoing searches in Kudus. KPK officials stated that investigators are probing potential kickbacks and irregular practices involving cigarette excise tax stamps, commonly known as pita cukai.
Trillion-Rupiah Losses and the Scope of the Excise Probe
Initial state losses in the expanding customs case have reached trillions of rupiah, according to figures released by the KPK. Investigators have yet to establish the exact timeline for when the alleged violations began, with Budi Prasetyo noting that the inquiry will examine practices going back several years.
The current phase relies heavily on physical and digital evidence gathered during the ongoing searches in Central Java. Investigators are specifically examining whether PT Djarum provided illicit payments to customs personnel regarding cigarette tax stamps affixed to packaging.
Corporate Response and the Prior Customs Case Timeline
Corporate Communication Senior Manager Group for PT Djarum, Budi Darmawan, stated that the company respects the legal process underway. We respect and obey the law,
Budi Darmawan told reporters regarding the search of the company’s offices, as cited by CNN Indonesia. Meanwhile, other company representatives indicated they were unaware of the specific triggers for the visits by anti-corruption teams.
The current general investigation warrant—known as a sprindik umum—was issued in October 2026, following an earlier round of warrants on July 21, 2026.
Next Steps in the Kudus Investigations
KPK officials indicated that witness examinations and formal questioning will proceed systematically once the documentary evidence from the Kudus raids is fully cataloged. Investigators need to reconcile the seized electronic data and paper records before summoning corporate representatives for formal statements. The probe into excise stamp management remains in its early investigative phase.
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