APTI urges government to cancel tobacco tar and nicotine restrictions
If implemented, tobacco centres in Central Java, East Java, NTB, and West Java will collapse. Farmers will no longer be able to produce tobacco in line with its existing characteristics.
Temanggung (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Tobacco Farmers Association (APTI) has urged the government to cancel plans to restrict tar and nicotine levels in cigarette products currently being drafted by the central government, a policy deemed likely to severely impact the tobacco farming sector, including in Temanggung Regency.
Chairman of the Central Executive Board (DPP) of APTI, Agus Parmuji, in Temanggung on Tuesday, stated that the proposed limits of a maximum 10 milligrams of tar and 1 milligram of nicotine are considered unfair to the real conditions of tobacco farming in Indonesia.
According to him, if the regulation is enforced, national tobacco centres will be seriously affected.
“If this is implemented, tobacco centres in Central Java, East Java, NTB, and West Java will collapse. Farmers will no longer be able to produce in line with the existing characteristics of the tobacco,” he said in Bumi Makukuhan, Bulu Subdistrict.
Moreover, the regulation also threatens the livelihoods of farmers and workers dependent on the tobacco sector.
He explained that APTI has already conveyed its rejection through various forums, including meetings at ministries and an official letter to the President of the Republic of Indonesia. The association has asked the government to review and even cancel the planned regulation.
“We appeal to the President’s heart to directly see the impacts. This is not just about tobacco, but also the economy, employment, and culture,” he said.
In addition, APTI highlighted the high volume of tobacco imports, which it considers excessive. Currently, tobacco imports exceed 140,000 tonnes, while domestic production is around 200,000 tonnes.
Temanggung Regent Agus Setyawan supports APTI’s move to reject the proposed restrictions, as the policy could threaten the sustainability of local tobacco farmers.
“If that happens, it will greatly endanger the livelihoods of farmers. Moreover, the tar and nicotine levels in Temanggung tobacco are indeed above the levels being discussed,” he said.
The Temanggung Regency Government, he said, has sent an official letter to relevant ministries requesting a re-examination of the draft regulation.
“We hope that factories can resume direct purchases of Temanggung tobacco so that the market can become vibrant again,” he said.
He hopes that policies taken by the central government will continue to consider the sustainability of the tobacco farming sector, including tobacco in Temanggung Regency, which is one of the pillars of the local economy.