Haji Suryo's Affection: HS, Sumatra's Cigarette

The seventh session of the HS Hey Slank – Berani Kita Beda Tour was held in Jakabaring, Palembang, South Sumatra, on Sunday, 24 May 2026. For HS cigarettes, Sumatra, especially Palembang, carries a unique sentimental significance.

‘Owner Pak Haji Suryo was born in Lampung and raised in Bengkulu; he is from Sumatra, “wong kito” (one of us),’ said HS Commercial Director Tessa Arya Pradana during a press conference on Sunday, 24 May 2026.

HS’s core ethos includes empowerment. Through this ‘sentimental connection’, the company is opening a factory in Lampung, set to become operational in July, which will employ thousands of workers.

She also stated that Sumatra is vital to HS. Overall, the island is Indonesia’s second-largest cigarette consumer. For HS, sales contributions from the region account for 25% of its total, equivalent to approximately 135 million cigarettes.

‘For a cigarette company less than two years old, this is significant, hence our decision to open a Lampung factory. HS is Sumatra’s cigarette; Palembang’s strong sales over the past three months made it the seventh stop on the Hey Slank Berani Kita Beda Tour,’ she added.

Tessa emphasised that consistency and inclusive workforce empowerment are central to HS’s growth. To date, the company has hired 120 disabled employees, providing them with accommodation, and thousands of workers with no prior experience.

‘We all know, apologies, many people still struggle to find employment. This is our principle: everyone deserves equal opportunity!’ she stressed.

Slank vocalist Akhadi Wira Satriaji, known as Kaka, said the band is enthusiastic about collaborating with HS, not just for the music tour but also for broader community empowerment.

‘When I first met Pak Haji Suryo, he is visionary and open to various ideas. From the outset, we discussed taking HS across Indonesia, and over the past few months, we’ve already seen tangible results,’ said Kaka Slank, who also attended the press conference.

Kaka added that Slank consistently supports local products and small and medium enterprises (UMKM), aligning with HS’s values.