Awaiting Action from the Customs and Excise Regional Office

The change of Head of the Aceh Customs and Excise Regional Office, from Safuadi, Ph.D., to Bier Budy Kismulyanto, MH, is expected to bring fresh impetus to the increasingly rampant and bold eradication of excise-free cigarettes in Aceh.

This rotation of Customs and Excise leadership cannot be interpreted as a mere tour of duty or bureaucratic formality. Amidst the rampant circulation of illegal cigarettes, which is detrimental to many parties, bold and honest action is needed in accordance with applicable regulations and ethics.

The new Customs and Excise leadership has undoubtedly received reports on the various issues under the agency's jurisdiction, including the unresolved issue of excise-free cigarettes.
It is hoped that the new leadership will have a strategic program to eradicate the circulation of illegal cigarettes, including cleaning up the internal institutions that have made eradicating illegal cigarettes so difficult.

This media has several times highlighted and criticized the performance of relevant authorities in eradicating illegal cigarettes. They even requested a special interview, specifically regarding the special treatment for suspected excise-free cigarette dealers at Kuala Namu Airport, Medan, rather than at the Customs office. There are suspicions that this attitude represents a form of privilege for those suspected of violating the law.

The public, especially those harmed by the circulation of illegal cigarettes, are anxiously awaiting firm action from law enforcement. The weak action of the authorities prompted the public to intervene and seize excise-free cigarettes in Kuala Simpang, Aceh Tamiang. This public action should have been a further blow to the police and Customs.

Various brands of excise-free cigarettes are circulating among the public and can be easily and freely purchased in various locations. This practice costs the state trillions of rupiah from a sector that should contribute to revenue.

It is often reminded that the problem of illegal cigarettes is not simply a loss of state revenue. It also concerns the morale of state officials and the perversion of the law by the very officials who are supposed to uphold the authority of the law.

So far, there has been no clear-cut action to reduce the production and distribution of illegal cigarettes. This movement doesn't need to go far; it can begin with reforming the institutions responsible for cigarette excise and law enforcement.

Once the internal structure is cleaned up, enforcement will be easier, and everyone will be treated equally before the law. There must no longer be a mentality of officials wavering between law enforcement and the temptation to compromise.

This is where hope rests. The new Head of the Regional Office of Customs and Excise is expected to arrive not only with a folder full of work plans, but also with moral courage. The courage to break with old habits, to uncover webs that may have previously been considered untouchable.

Of course, this task is not easy, as it faces unseen interests and forces that may lurk behind the veil of power. But change doesn't arise from comfort. It grows from the determination to go against the grain.

Therefore, this change should herald a new chapter. Otherwise, the position will simply become a shedding of skin—while the sores within continue to fester.[]