Business · Trade · 5 hrs ago
Suspected untaxed cigarettes sold in shops across Batam
Cigarettes suspected of lacking required excise stamps are being sold in shops and wholesalers across Batam, an island city in Indonesia’s Riau Islands province.
The brands named include Manchester, PSG, R7 Bold, H&D and H-Mild.
The story says Manchester cigarettes may be brought into Batam by sea through unofficial landing points, then distributed by motorbike or delivery vehicles to wholesalers and retailers.
It describes sales in several parts of the city, including Batam Centre, Botania, Batu Aji, Bengkong, Nagoya and Jodoh.
The allegations have not been confirmed by authorities in the material provided, and people identified by initials are described as suspected links.
Indonesia’s finance minister said customs officers had made 15,307 enforcement actions against illegal cigarettes by September 2026 and seized 1.2 billion cigarettes.
The story says earlier cigarette-smuggling cases have been taken to court in Batam, and calls for stronger checks on vulnerable ports.
Cigarettes suspected of lacking excise stamps are reportedly being sold in shops, wholesalers and minimarkets across Batam.
The brands named include Manchester, PSG, R7 Bold, H&D and H-Mild.
The report says sales were observed in several areas, including Batam Centre, Botania, Batu Aji, Bengkong, Nagoya and Jodoh.
Manchester cigarettes are alleged to enter Batam by sea through unofficial landing points and then move through local distribution networks.
The report cites national figures showing 15,307 enforcement actions against illegal cigarettes by September 2026.
- Who
- Sellers and distributors in Batam are reported to be involved; the article also cites allegations concerning people identified only by initials.
- What
- Cigarettes suspected of being sold without excise stamps are reportedly circulating through shops, wholesalers and minimarkets.
- When
- The article was published on 12 October 2026 and cites observations and information from around that time.
- Where
- Batam, in Indonesia’s Riau Islands, including Batam Centre, Botania, Batu Aji, Bengkong, Nagoya and Jodoh.
- Why
- The article alleges the cigarettes are distributed without excise stamps; it does not establish who is responsible or their motives.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Finance Minister Suahasil Nazara said customs had taken 15,307 enforcement actions against illegal cigarettes by September.
An unnamed source told CentralNews that Manchester cigarettes were reportedly owned by a prominent Batam businessperson.
CentralNews published its report on suspected untaxed cigarette sales and distribution in Batam.
- Enforcement actions
- 15,307 against illegal cigarettes by September 2026
- Seized cigarettes
- 1.2 billion sticks
- Reported brands
- Manchester, PSG, R7 Bold, H&D and H-Mild
- Reported areas
- Batam Centre, Botania, Batu Aji, Bengkong, Nagoya and Jodoh
- Reported landing points
- Tanjungriau, Tanjung Sengkuang and Sagulung ports
What people are saying
We have seized 1.2 billion cigarettes. To give you a sense, 1.2 billion cigarettes up to last September.
Not only Manchester cigarettes. PSG, H-Mild, OVO and Rave are also available at this wholesaler.
They say Manchester belongs to a well-known businessperson in Batam.
Sources
Related news
Pertamina brings 30 local businesses to Indonesia Grand Prix in Lombok
Mandalika Grand Prix offers seasonal work to Lombok residents
Pertamina gives Sade weavers 45 looms after August fire
Rupiah Edges Higher to Around Rp17,885 per US Dollar
Indonesia’s IHSG opens higher at the start of the week
63,789 people reported layoffs in Indonesia from January to September
BRI Named Indonesia’s Most Valuable Brand for Fourth Straight Year
Bank Jatim opens branch in Balikpapan to expand services and business ties
Netflix reportedly plans to cut about 5% of its workforce
Pertamina backs community waste bank in Mandalika village
Indonesia Seeks Rp 750 Trillion More in Tax Revenue by Year-End
