Indonesia foils smuggling of used Harley-Davidsons from China

hartono · Aug 5, 2026

Indonesia foils smuggling of used Harley-Davidsons from China

Adhang Noegroho Adhi, Head of the Tanjung Priok Type A Main Customs and Excise Service Office (second right), displays used motorcycles imported from China in Jakarta, Wednesday (August 5, 2026). ANTARA/Khaerul Izan

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Tanjung Priok Customs authorities have foiled an attempt to smuggle five disassembled used Harley-Davidson motorcycles and 20 used motorcycle frames from China into Indonesia.

"The items were broadly declared as used motorcycle parts," said Adhang Noegroho Adhi, head of the Tanjung Priok Type A Main Customs and Excise Office, in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Adhi said officers took action after intelligence analysis and container scanning revealed visual irregularities in a shipment from China, prompting a physical inspection that uncovered discrepancies with the customs manifest.

Inside the container, officers found five used Harley-Davidsons in a completely knocked down (CKD), or fully disassembled, state, alongside 20 used frames.

"The importation of these used motor vehicles violates Minister of Trade Regulation No. 24 of 2025 on Import Policies for Used Goods, which strictly prohibits importing used motor vehicles into Indonesian territory," Adhi said.

The smuggling attempt relied on misdeclaration, as the goods listed in the import documents failed to match the container's actual contents.

"This successful enforcement was achieved using advanced container scanners integrated at the Tanjung Priok Port temporary storage facility," Adhi added.

Customs authorities are investigating three importing companies linked to the illegal shipment: PT PAS, which imported two motorcycles; PT TSS, which imported three motorcycles; and PT HPM, which imported the 20 motorcycle frames.

All seized items have been designated as state-controlled goods (BDN).

Customs will coordinate with the Finance Ministry’s Directorate General of State Assets Management (DJKN) to determine their final disposition, including whether they will be auctioned or destroyed in accordance with regulations.

The State Assets and Auction Service Office (KPKNL) is currently assessing the value of the confiscated goods, which has yet to be disclosed.
Translator: Khaerul Izan, Resinta SulistiyandariEditor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono Copyright © ANTARA 2026