Someone was just caught trying to smuggle five used Harley-Davidsons and 20 frames into Indonesia. This isn't the first time it has happened; it's not even the first time we've reported on it at RideApart. But like most things in life, there is a reason, and it revolves around money.
Indonesian customs authorities are investigating the illegal importation of the goods mentioned above from China, but it's not yet a criminal investigation. But based on the evidence that has already come to light, it certainly appears as though there's been criminal wrongdoing.
The authorities have inspected the import documents and summoned the companies involved to conduct interviews. The five used Harley-Davidsons were in completely knocked down(CKD) condition, which is a method importers use to make it look like they're importing parts, which is legal, rather than complete used motorcycles that've been disassembled.
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The reason this is a crime at all is that there's a trade regulation in Indonesia, which prohibits the commercial import of used vehicles. This law exists to protect domestic manufacturing and prevent tax avoidance through used imports. Unsurprisingly, new Harley-Davidsons are heavily taxed as they're luxury vehicles, making the importation of used models particularly attractive and lucrative, if you can get away with it.
Adhang Noegroho Adhi, head of the Tanjung Priok Customs and Excise Main Service Office, said, "The entry of illegal goods like these has the potential to harm the domestic market and Indonesia's automotive industry,"
The investigation has led officials to three importing companies: PAS allegedly imported two used models, TSS allegedly imported three disassembled units, while HPM imported 20 used frames. Customs officers discovered the motorcycles during an X-ray screening of a container arriving from China. An intelligence analysis revealed discrepancies between the shipment and its customs declaration. The officers subsequently found that the contents of the shipment hadn't been properly declared in the import documents.
All of the items seized are now state-controlled goods, putting them in government custody while authorities determine their legal status. This means that the motorcycles and frames could be auctioned, destroyed, or disposed of through another mechanism—all options that put a frown on motorcyclists' faces.