Jakarta Govt Backs Police Crackdown on 50-Ton Smuggled Peanut Ring in N. Jakarta

The Jakarta government has thrown its full support behind the Jakarta Metropolitan Police (Polda Metro Jaya) following a major bust targeting an illegal peanut smuggling operation in the Penjaringan warehouse area, North Jakarta.

We totally back Polda Metro Jaya's investigation

The high-profile case is now being spearheaded by the police force's Special Crimes Directorate (Ditreskrimsus) after investigators raided a local warehouse and uncovered 1,536 sacks of smuggled peanuts weighing a staggering 49.85 tons.

According to police reports, the haul allegedly originated from India, entering Indonesia via Dumai, Riau, before being trucked overland straight to Jakarta.

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Initial findings reveal that the shipment was missing a full stack of required paperwork, including Import Permits, Surveyor Reports, and official Quarantine Certificates.

Jakarta Industry, Trade, Cooperatives, and SME Agency (PPKUKM) Head Elisabeth Ratu Rante Allo, stressed that keeping imported goods in check is key to keeping the playing field fair for local businesses and market prices stable.

"We totally back Polda Metro Jaya's investigation. Any non-compliant imports have to be shut down to protect fair competition," she expressed, Thursday (9/17).

Ratu pointed out that this issue boils down to fair trade. Peanuts are heavily regulated imports, and keeping the market fair is the top priority.

"We have to protect the level playing field. Legitimate business owners who play by the rules shouldn't be forced to compete with illegal, non-compliant imports," she explained.

She emphasized that imported peanuts must strictly follow quarantine rules under Law No. 21/2019 on Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine.

According to her, these checks are crucial to stop dangerous plant pests from entering the country and to make sure all imports are safe and fully compliant.

"Since this is food, it's not just about business. Real people are going to eat this. Food safety and quarantine checks are non-negotiable,” she added.

She assured that the agency will keep working closely with law enforcement and relevant authorities to monitor trade across Jakarta and ensure all imported goods follow official rules.

"We fully support every effort to keep Jakarta’s market stable and fair. It's all about making sure businesses play by the rules and local consumers stay protected," she concluded.