Misbakhun Denies Allegations Regarding Involvement in Cigarette Excise Duty
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - The Chairman of Commission XI of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Mukhamad Misbakhun, has firmly denied reports and podcasts linking his name to the controversy surrounding cigarette excise stamp orders. The legislator from the Golkar Party emphasised that he would not betray the trust of his constituents in his electoral district, most of whom depend on tobacco farming for their livelihoods.
“I did not do what was stated in those broadcasts or news reports,” Misbakhun stated in a written statement received on Sunday (13/09/2026).
Misbakhun issued this denial in response to publications by the ‘Bocor Alus’ podcast and an investigative report by Tempo Magazine, which implicated the representative from East Java II constituency in matters concerning cigarette excise stamps. He maintained that his political track record has been consistently dedicated to defending the interests of the tobacco industry.
“As a member of the DPR RI representing the East Java II constituency, particularly Probolinggo and Pasuruan Regencies—which are tobacco-producing areas—I have always sided with and defended the interests of tobacco farmers. I have consistently requested that the excise rates for hand-rolled clove cigarettes (SKT) remain low, as this benefits the farmers,” he added.
Regarding Adi Harnowo, a parliamentary expert staff member mentioned in the reports, Misbakhun clarified that the individual has not worked for him for a long time. Since the current term of the DPR RI began in October 2024, Adi Harnowo is no longer registered as an expert staff member within his office. “Please confirm this directly with the person concerned,” he said.
Denying Authority and Seeking Clarification from Customs
Furthermore, Misbakhun emphasised that he possesses no authority or control over the cigarette excise stamp process. According to regulations, all such authority rests with the Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC) under the Ministry of Finance.
“All orders for excise stamps must go through an electronic ordering system. Therefore, there is no connection to me,” he added.
He also stated that he had taken proactive steps by contacting the Director of Communication and User Guidance of the DJBC, Nirwala Dwi Heryanto, to confirm the truth of the circulating rumours. Following this communication, Misbakhun asserted that the customs authorities found no evidence of his involvement or the use of his name in the investigation results.
“Mr Nirwala stated that my name does not appear in the issues regarding cigarette excise stamp orders,” he said.
According to Misbunct, the jurisdiction for investigating the alleged misuse of excise stamp sales lies solely with the DJBC. Consequently, he invited the public to seek direct clarification from both the news publishers and the relevant authorities.
“The authority to investigate the sale of cigarette excise stamps belongs to the Directorate General of Customs and Excise. Regarding the truth of this news, please confirm directly with the parties who hold that authority,” he remarked.
Support from Local Figures and Organisations
The emergence of these reports was also met with responses from community leaders in his constituency. Wahid Nurahman, a community leader from Probolinggo Regency, urged the public not to treat the news narratives as a final verdict of truth.
“The public needs to look at his track record and contributions in their entirety. If there are certain allegations or suspicions, they must be proven based on facts and an objective legal process, not merely based on assumptions or opinions,” he said.
Wahid assessed Misbakhun as one of the most vocal figures in Parliament regarding the welfare of tobacco farmers and cigarette factory workers, as well as maintaining the stability of the national tobacco industry ecosystem against extreme fiscal policies.
“Mr Misbakhun is known for being very persistent in advocating for the Cukai Hasil Tembakau (Excise on Tobacco Products) not to be increased to protect the national cigarette industry ecosystem. The consistent political pressure he exerted yielded results after the government decided not to raise cigarette excise rates for 2026,” said Wahid.
Similarly, the Secretary of the Madas Serumpun organisation, Agus Cahyono, noted that the circulating reports tended to create a negative frame without providing a balanced review of Misbakhun’s dedication in the field.
“We must not allow that struggle to be ignored simply because of narratives that continuously build a negative image of him. Mr Misbakhun has been known to consistently fight for the fate of tobacco farmers, cigarette factory workers, and the community that relies on the tobacco sector,” he said.