Jakarta. Indonesian customs authorities are investigating the illegal import of five used Harley-Davidson motorcycles and 20 motorcycle frames from China after officials discovered the shipment during a container inspection at Tanjung Priok Port.

The case remains under administrative review and has not yet advanced to a formal criminal investigation, Adhang Noegroho Adhi, head of the Tanjung Priok Customs and Excise Main Service Office, said on Wednesday.

Authorities have inspected import documents, summoned the companies involved and conducted interviews as part of the review. Customs is also coordinating with the Tanjung Priok Port Police, the North Jakarta District Prosecutor's Office and other law enforcement agencies to strengthen oversight of imported goods entering Indonesia's busiest seaport.

"The entry of illegal goods like these has the potential to harm the domestic market and Indonesia's automotive industry," Adhang was quoted as saying on the National Police's website.

The investigation involves three importing companies. PAS allegedly imported two used Harley-Davidson motorcycles, TSS imported three motorcycles, while HPM imported 20 used motorcycle frames.

The case was uncovered after customs officers detected anomalies during X-ray screening of a container arriving from China. Intelligence analysis and scanner images revealed discrepancies between the shipment and its customs declaration, prompting a detailed physical inspection.

Officers subsequently found five used Harley-Davidson motorcycles in completely knocked down (CKD) condition, along with 20 used motorcycle frames that had not been properly declared in the import documents.

All of the seized items have been designated as state-controlled goods, placing them under government custody while authorities determine their legal status.

Customs will coordinate with the Finance Ministry's Directorate General of State Assets (DJKN) to decide whether the motorcycles and frames will be auctioned, destroyed or disposed of through another mechanism permitted under Indonesian regulations.

The value of the confiscated goods is still being assessed by the State Assets and Auction Service Office (KPKNL), and officials have not disclosed an estimated value.

Adhang said customs would continue tightening inspections at Indonesia's import gateways to prevent illegal shipments of used vehicles, which are subject to strict import restrictions aimed at protecting domestic manufacturers and ensuring compliance with national standards.

Indonesia generally prohibits the commercial import of used motor vehicles, except under limited exemptions, as part of policies designed to support the domestic automotive industry, encourage local manufacturing and prevent the entry of products that do not meet regulatory requirements

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