Discussions on Kemenko PMK Limiting Nicotine and Tar: Situbondo Regent Warns Farmers Could Be Affected

The Ministry of Coordinating Human Development and Culture (Kemenko PMK) is conducting studies and public consultations to establish maximum limits for nicotine and tar content in tobacco products and electronic cigarettes, referring to Government Regulation Number 28 of 2024 and Permenko PMK Number 2 of 2025. The policy aims to reduce health risks while balancing the interests of farmers, workers, and industry. In response to the policy, Situbondo Regent Yusuf Rio Wahyu Prayogo has voiced concerns over the proposed restrictions on nicotine and tar levels in tobacco products by Kemenko PMK. According to him, one of the most worrying impacts if the policy is enacted would be the mismatch between farmers’ production output and industry requirements. Changes in standards due to the limitations on nicotine and tar could make local tobacco difficult to absorb into the market. “In terms of potential, this policy discussion could create a mismatch between farmers’ production and industry needs,” said Rio in a written statement on Tuesday, 5 May 2026. He added that if industry standards change significantly, tobacco prices at the farmer level could decline. This situation is seen as risking a blow to the economy of communities dependent on that sector. Situbondo’s economic structure is still dominated by the agrarian sector. Data shows that the agricultural sector contributes 29.56 percent to the Regional Gross Domestic Product (PDRB), followed by the processing industry at 21.86 percent and trade at 15.72 percent. Rio also highlighted the sustainability of local tobacco varieties that have been cultivated generationally. He assessed that nicotine and tar limitation regulations could threaten the distinctive characteristics of regional tobacco. In addition, the tobacco sector in Situbondo plays a broad role in job absorption, from farmers, processing industries, to distribution. Seasonal economic activities from harvesting and tobacco trading become one of the main supports for the community’s economy. “This commodity is an agricultural product as well as a driver of the people’s economy and a labour-intensive sector that absorbs workers from upstream to downstream,” said Rio.