Jakarta – On 18 March 2025, the Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DGCE) of Indonesia received a formal handover of chemical identification equipment from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). This initiative aims to enhance DGCE's capacity in detecting and preventing the misuse of hazardous materials that could potentially be used for illicit purposes.
Strengthening Monitoring Capacity
As the authority responsible for overseeing the flow of goods across borders, DGCE plays a crucial role in ensuring that hazardous materials do not enter Indonesia illegally. In recent years, there has been a recognized need to strengthen monitoring efforts to prevent the potential misuse of such materials.
To support this effort, UNODC, with financial support from Japan and other donors, has provided specialized chemical detection equipment to assist customs officers in identifying hazardous materials requiring strict oversight. This equipment will be integrated into DGCE's operations to reinforce its monitoring capacity in regulating controlled substances.
Soma Baskoro, the Head of Transnational Crimes Section III, Directorate of Enforcement and Investigation, DGCE, emphasized that this collaboration is a strategic step in enhancing monitoring efforts and ensuring compliance with licensing regulations as well as health and safety standards. “This support will strengthen our ability to identify hazardous materials swiftly, especially those that are concealed or falsely labelled,” he said.
Meanwhile, Erik van der Veen, Head of Office and Liaison to ASEAN, UNODC Indonesia, emphasized the importance of enhancing national capacities to detect and prevent the misuse of chemical substances, ensuring a proactive and coordinated response to potential threats and stated, “The handover of Chemical Detection Equipment today is not merely a transfer of technology; it represents a shared commitment to strengthening systems that support safety and security in Indonesia and world.”
Next Steps
Following the handover, DGCE will begin integrating the detection equipment into its operational systems, including training customs officers on its use. This initiative is expected to strengthen Indonesia’s preparedness in mitigating the potential misuse of hazardous materials.
The collaboration between UNODC and DGCE reflects a shared commitment to national security and the prevention of hazardous material misuse. With advancements in technology and capacity-building efforts, measures to safeguard against potential risks can be further reinforced.
“We hope that this collaboration can continue. Equipment, toolkits, and hand-held devices are needed to assist our officers in the field” Soma added.
