Cigarette Nicotine Levels to be Limited to 1mg, Threatening the Local Tobacco Industry

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Indonesian Tobacco Farmers Association (APTI) states that the local tobacco industry is facing a crisis due to the government’s decision to set a maximum nicotine level of 1 milligram (mg) and tar level of 10 mg per cigarette.

APTI Secretary-General, Kusnadi Mudi, said that the regulations issued by the government, particularly the Ministry of Health, are a major concern for the agricultural and tobacco industry ecosystem.

Approximately 90% of local tobacco may not be absorbed by the market and will “disappear” if the government begins to implement this policy.

“I think this regulatory challenge is the biggest threat to farmers in both the upstream and downstream sectors,” said Mudi during a discussion at the Ministry of Agriculture, Jakarta, Thursday (February 26, 2026).

According to Mudi, this Government Regulation (PP) puts pressure on farmers and the tobacco industry from various sides.

If the regulation, which was enacted in 2024, is implemented, almost 90% of Indonesia’s native tobacco could be eliminated.

“If this is indeed approved, it means that almost 90% of our tobacco in Indonesia will be lost,” said Mudi.

For information, the average nicotine content of Indonesian native tobacco is above 2%. The types and levels of tobacco in Indonesia vary, depending on the growing region. These include: Temanggung 3-8%; Jember, Bondowoso, Banyuwangi 2.3-4.9%; Probolinggo and Situbondo 2-2.8%; Bondowoso 1.9-2.3%; Jombang and Lamongan 3.5-4.65%; Kendal 1-3%; Lumajang and Jember Banyuwangi 2.5-4.5%; and others.