Ilona Estherina, Jakarta – Indonesian Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa conducted a sudden inspection or surprise visit to the Tanjung Perak Surabaya Customs and Excise Office. During the inspection process, the state treasurer discovered that imported goods were priced in the hundreds of thousands but sold for tens of millions at local markets and on e-commerce platforms.
Purbaya directly observed the physical inspection process of imported goods at the container terminal. The price of one of the examined items was recorded at only about US$7 (Rp117,000). However, after a quick check by the Finance Minister at the local market, the price was much higher.
The Finance Minister uploaded video recordings of the goods checking process to his social media. "Something is interesting, the price seems very cheap. How could such a good item be priced at 7 dollars? On the marketplace, it's priced at Rp40-50 million. But it will be rechecked," as quoted from TikTok @purbayayudhis, Thursday, November 13, 2025.
In addition to reviewing the Customs and Excise services at Tanjung Perak, Purbaya also inspected the Class II Customs and Excise Laboratory Office in Surabaya. The finance minister monitored direct inspection of goods by comparing Import Notification Documents (PIB) with the physical goods.
Purbaya examined the operation of the newly deployed container scanner, which had been in use for about two weeks. He believed that, although not yet perfect, the tool would enhance and expedite Customs and Excise employees' ability to inspect goods.
Through this monitoring, the Finance Minister aims to ensure that the inspection procedures are carried out in accordance with the provisions to support the smooth flow of national logistics. Meanwhile, the visit to the Surabaya Class II Customs and Excise Laboratory focused on reviewing the laboratory facilities.
– Antara contributed to this article