Soekarno-Hatta International Airport Customs officials have officially denied allegations of intimidating a passenger who was carrying a collection of Pokémon cards back from abroad.
In a statement released on their official Instagram accounts, @beacukai and @bcsoetta, the Customs office clarified that the inspection of the passenger’s luggage—identified by the initials JES—was a routine procedure following X-ray results that revealed a large quantity of Pokémon cards.
Customs authorities explained that under current regulations, every international traveler is entitled to a duty-free allowance for personal effects worth up to US$ 500. However, this exemption does not apply if the items are classified as commercial goods.
“Based on X-ray imaging and our risk management system, which identified a strong indication of professional personal shopper activity, commonly known as jastip, we conducted a thorough inspection of the passenger’s baggage,” the agency stated.
According to Customs, the suspicion of commercial activity was based on two primary factors: the passenger’s high frequency of travel abroad in a short period and risk-based monitoring of the individual’s social media, which allegedly showed offers for overseas shopping services.
During the inspection, officers confirmed that JES was indeed transporting a significant volume of Pokémon cards. Given the market value of these collectibles—which can range from Rp 100,000 per piece to as much as Rp 1.5 billion—authorities were required to verify the intent behind the purchase and ensure compliance with national revenue regulations.
When questioned, JES maintained that the cards were gifts or souvenirs rather than stock for resale, and subsequently provided the necessary purchase invoices to support this claim. Upon verifying these documents, Customs concluded that the items were intended for personal use. Consequently, the goods were cleared of all import duties and taxes, allowing the passenger to continue their journey.
Addressing the viral claims of misconduct, Customs firmly rejected allegations that the passenger was subjected to intimidation. “The circulating narrative that the passenger was reduced to tears due to intimidation is entirely false. In upholding customs regulations, we consistently prioritize integrity, professionalism, and the protection of every citizen’s rights and obligations,” the agency concluded.
Summary
Soekarno-Hatta International Airport Customs officials have officially denied allegations of intimidating a passenger named JES, who was inspected while carrying a large collection of Pokémon cards. Authorities clarified that the luggage inspection was a routine procedure triggered by X-ray results and risk-management protocols, which raised concerns about potential commercial “jastip” (personal shopper) activity due to the passenger’s frequent travel history.
After a thorough examination, the passenger provided invoices proving the cards were for personal use rather than resale. Customs verified these documents and cleared the items of all import duties, allowing the traveler to proceed without further issue. The agency refuted claims of intimidation, emphasizing that their actions were conducted professionally to ensure compliance with national revenue regulations.
