Indonesian Navy Foils Branded Goods Smuggling at Nunukan Border

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – The Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) and the Customs and Excise thwarted an attempt to smuggle branded goods from Tawau, Malaysia. The goods entered the country illegally through the Nunukan border area in North Kalimantan.

According to the Nunukan Naval Base Commander, Navy Colonel Primayantha Maulana Malik, the discovery began with information about the shipment of illegal goods. “We immediately followed up with intensive coordination and supervision by the Indonesian Navy and Customs,” he said on Monday, February 16, 2026.

The action was taken against the KM Cahaya Jamaker at the Jamaker Traditional Base in Nunukan. During the inspection, officers found four cardboard boxes and two suitcases hidden in the stern hold of the ship.

"The contents included bags, shoes, clothing, and various other branded products," said Primayantha.

According to Primayantha, all of the goods were shipped without proper customs documentation. Based on preliminary calculations by Nunukan Customs and Excise, the value of the illegal goods was IDR 88.23 million. Meanwhile, the potential loss to the state from unpaid import duties, value-added tax (VAT), and income tax (PPh) amounted to IDR 41.5 million.

All evidence has been secured for further processing in accordance with the Customs Law. "This success demonstrates the synergy in safeguarding border areas from illegal activity," Primayantha said.

He said that firm action against smuggling practices requires consistent law enforcement. "This is especially important for maintaining orderly trade and national economic stability, particularly in border areas," he said. ***