Customs blocks export of 22.3 kg of gold to Hong Kong
Two Chinese nationals were detained, and officers suspect an airport insider helped move the gold to the international terminal.
The Directorate General of Customs and Excise foiled an attempt to illegally export 22.317 kilograms of gold bars worth about Rp60 billion at Terminal 3 of Soekarno-Hatta Airport on Aug. 13, 2026. Two Chinese nationals identified as ZC and ZL were detained as they prepared to fly from Jakarta to Hong Kong. Officers seized a total of 30 gold bars carried without customs documents or an export permit. ZC carried seven bars weighing 8.237 kg in a cabin suitcase, while ZL carried 23 bars weighing 14.080 kg using body strapping. Customs said the operation took place minutes before departure after passenger intelligence analysis and coordination with the airline, Avsec, and Immigration. Initial findings suggest an airport insider helped move the gold through an operational route using a wheelchair from the domestic terminal to the international terminal. Both are being held for investigation.