East Java Governor Proposes Madura Tobacco Special Economic Zone to Central Government
The Governor of East Java, Khofifah Indar Parawansa, will propose a Madura Tobacco Special Economic Zone (SEZ) to the central government. This proposal has emerged due to Madura’s significant tobacco production potential from both farmers and local business operators.
Khofifah made this commitment when receiving a Joint Letter from all Madura Regents and the Academic Document for the Madura Tobacco SEZ in Pamekasan, Madura, on Tuesday 10 March 2026. On this occasion, Khofifah emphasised that the East Java Provincial Government is prepared to play an active role in accelerating Madura’s development through the special economic zone scheme.
“I understand why there is a desire for a SEZ in Madura and I will pursue this to completion. Madura possesses enormous potential that must be driven through policies capable of accelerating regional development,” said Khofifah in her statement.
Khofifah also stated that the Madura Tobacco SEZ proposal aligns with the spirit of equitable and evenly distributed development across East Java, ensuring no region is left behind in the development process.
As an initial step, Khofifah tasked East Java Deputy Governor Emil Elestianto Dardak with following up on the proposal through deeper study and preparing all technocratic and administrative requirements for the SEZ proposal to the central government.
Khofifah believes that developing a SEZ in Madura concerns not only economic strengthening but also represents part of the regional government’s strategy in protecting and transforming the region’s economic structure.
“So that Madura’s economic potential, especially in the tobacco sector and its derivative industries, can develop sustainably and provide greater added value to the community,” she explained.
Meanwhile, Emil stated that the Madura Tobacco SEZ proposal has a strong foundation as it is supported by academic research and political backing from all Madura regents. Furthermore, the Madura Tobacco SEZ can serve as an important instrument for implementing regional economic transformation.
“This SEZ concept does not merely discuss investment, but rather how we build a stronger economic ecosystem and provide protection to the community’s economy, particularly farmers and local business operators,” said Emil.
In the meantime, Head of the Madura Tobacco SEZ Academic Document Drafting Team, Subairi Muzakki, explained that the submission of the document represents the mandate of the Madura community and the results of consolidation among regional leaders in the area.
According to him, Madura has made a major contribution to the national tobacco industry for many years. However, the economic added value enjoyed by the community remains limited.
“For decades Madura has been one of the main centres of national tobacco production. However, much of its industrial added value has been enjoyed outside Madura. Through the Madura Tobacco SEZ, we want to build a more integrated industrial ecosystem so that farmers, local business operators, and the Madura community obtain greater economic benefits,” he said.
He added that the support of the East Java Provincial Government represents an important momentum for Madura’s community aspirations, particularly in presenting a fairer and more sustainable regional development model.