Herman, a customs officer assigned to eradicate smuggling, often loses his temper. When a smuggler’s ship is reported, he immediately orders a search-and-destroy but it’s a reckless act that results in the easy escape of other ships. Then Herman is posted to the mainland as punishment. Here, he reunites with an old friend, Rusli, who offers him a bribe. Herman is now a suspect as several of smuggling ships are able to escape. But it is Herman’s strategy to gain Rusli’s trust so that he can eradicate smuggling at its root. He is reposted back to sea.