APTI Requests Government Protection Amid Global Pressures

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Secretary General of the National Leadership Council of the Indonesian Tobacco Farmers Association (DPN APTI) Muhdi has requested that the government provide protection and empowerment amid the current geopolitical and economic conditions. “In particular, regarding the push for the implementation of derivative regulations under PP No 28/2024, this is an issue that must be taken seriously. From the push for plain cigarette packaging, standardisation of nicotine and tar levels, to the ban on additives, the ones most affected are the farmers,” said Muhdi in Jakarta on Friday. According to Muhdi, the push for draft regulations limiting tar and nicotine content, which are modelled on foreign standards, could impact the tobacco industry. “Meanwhile, our average nicotine and tar content is above 2 mg. If it is still forced to be implemented, our tobacco will be depleted. Are we ready to lose a commodity that is the livelihood source for 2.5 million tobacco farmers?” said Muhdi. On the other hand, the Indonesian Clove Farmers Association (APCI) has also requested government attention and protection. The limitations on nicotine and tar levels, the push for plain cigarette packaging, and the ban on additives are considered not only to have a negative impact on the commodities but also on the livelihoods of clove farmers across Indonesia. “Meanwhile, cloves support 1.5 million farmers across Indonesia,” said APCI Secretary General I Ketut Budhyman. As a representation of the upstream to downstream tobacco ecosystem, the Indonesian Tobacco Community Alliance (AMTI) has also conveyed a request for protection to the government, both regarding the formulation of fiscal and non-fiscal policies. “Do not forget the strategic role of the IHT which has absorbed 6 million workers. The multiplier effect of IHT is also very large, its GDP contribution is up to Rp710 trillion, and its contribution to state revenue is Rp216.9 trillion. We must synergise together between the government and stakeholders,” said AMTI General Chairman Edy Sutopo.