Misbakhun Denies Allegations of Involvement in Illegal Excise Stamp Scandal

The Chairman of Commission XI of the Indonesian House of Respect (DPR RI), Mukhamad Misbakhun, has denied allegations linking him to suspected transactions involving illegal cigarette excise stamps. He emphasised that he has never been involved in any discussions nor derived any economic profit from such activities.

“I have never been involved in that, not even for a single rupiah; I have never met anyone to discuss this or to take personal or any other economic profit from it,” Misbakhun told CNBC Indonesia on Thursday (17/09/2026).

Misbakhun’s denial comes in response to a podcast by one of the media outlets that suggested his involvement in cigarette excise stamp matters. He also refuted narratives linking him to Adi Harnowo in the case, asserting that Adi Harnowo is no longer serving as his expert staff during the 2024-2029 DPR period.

“He was my expert staff from 2014-2019 and 2019-2024. However, during my term as Chairman of Commission XI, I did not appoint Adi Harnowo as my expert staff,” he stated.

Previously, narratives had circulated claiming that Adi Harnowo held discussions with a cigarette entrepreneur at a hotel regarding excise stamp transactions. Furthermore, Misbakhun denied allegations that he had met with cigarette entrepreneurs to discuss excise stamp transactions, including claims that he received millions of rupiah for every ream of excise stamps.

“That was not my discussion, but the discussion of someone claiming to have met me. If it was a serious meeting that required follow-up and I intended to seek economic benefit, could they name the hotel? When was it? If it was such a serious meeting,” Misbakhun questioned.

Misbakhun stated that his stance regarding the tobacco products industry is maintained in his capacity as a representative of his constituency in East Java. He noted that tobacco farmers and industry workers are part of his constituency who have requested that their interests be championed.

“I am consistent in defending tobacco farmers. My political position is constitutional, as tobacco farmers are my constituents in the Probolinggo Regency electoral district, and the tobacco industry is in Pasuruan Regency. Tobacco factory workers are the ones who voted for me,” he said.

He admitted to frequently criticising policies that rely too heavily on increasing excise rates as an instrument to reduce smoking prevalence. According to Misbakhun, the consistent increase in excise rates in recent years has placed pressure on the tobacco industry, subsequently impacting farmers and workers in the sector.

“History has proven that the tobacco industry first experienced pressure because of what? Because of dramatic and consistent annual increases in excise stamps, which impacted an industry that was previously considered inelastic to pressure and crisis, rather than tariffs,” he explained.

Nevertheless, Misbakhun stated he is prepared to face criticism or political attacks resulting from his advocacy for the interests of tobacco farmers and the industry.

“I feel, ‘Okay, let’s play the game.’ I voice my opinions, and I am prepared to be attacked regarding certain matters even if I have done nothing wrong,” he said.

He further emphasised that he remains open to the process of proof if any party accuses him of receiving profits from transactions related to excise stamps.

“Please prove when I received anything; if a transaction was conducted, okay, please proceed,” Misbakhun asserted.