Finance Minister demands Tokopedia, Bukalapak, and others ban illegal cigarette sales immediately.
Indonesia’s Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has summoned major e-commerce platforms, urging them to swiftly ban the sale of illegal cigarettes, with enforcement starting before October 1.
Minister Targets E-Commerce Platforms
On September 22, Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa announced that Tokopedia, Bukalapak, and Blibli had been called in to address illegal cigarette sales. Initially planned for October 1, he urged marketplaces to implement the ban immediately.
Immediate Enforcement Measures
Purbaya stated that sellers of illegal cigarettes have already been identified. Enforcement will target online vendors and extend to physical shops. “We will start making arrests, so those who still want to sell must stop,” he warned.
No Exceptions for Offenders
The minister emphasized that enforcement will apply to all levels, including government insiders. He pledged to punish any officials from the Ministry of Finance or Customs found to be involved in the trade.
Offline Crackdown Expands
Beyond e-commerce, Purbaya announced that raids will extend to traditional retail. Authorities will pursue suppliers and warung sellers, with random checks planned to dismantle distribution chains.
Massive Seizures in 2024
The Directorate General of Customs and Excise reported seizing 752 million illegal cigarettes across 22,000 enforcement actions in 2024. Officials warn that the rise of such products threatens the legal tobacco industry.
Push to Protect Industry and Consumers
The government views the crackdown as crucial to safeguarding state revenues and protecting consumers from unregulated goods. Purbaya expects the illegal trade to decline significantly within three months if strict measures are enforced consistently.
The government’s aggressive stance marks a turning point in Indonesia’s fight against illegal cigarette sales. For consumers and businesses in both online and offline markets, this crackdown signals tighter regulation ahead, with the state determined to protect its industry and tax revenues from illicit trade.
Sources: CNN Indonesia (2025) , CNBC Indonesia (2025)
Keywords: Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa, Illegal Cigarettes, Tokopedia, Bukalapak, E-Commerce Ban, Ministry of Finance
