Nicotine and Tar Regulations Deemed to Require Careful Drafting

The Director of the Association for the Development of Pesantren and Society (P3M), Sarmidi Husna, believes that the drafting of regulations regarding the maximum allowable levels of nicotine and tar in tobacco products must involve various stakeholders to ensure effective implementation. This statement was made in response to the mandate of Government Regulation (PP) Number 28 of 2024 concerning the regulation of nicotine and tar levels.

According to Sarmidi, the discussion of this regulation needs to be conducted wisely and comprehensively, as it affects numerous sectors, ranging from tobacco farmers to the national cigarette industry. He noted that the policies currently being prepared by the Ministry of Health and the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Cultural Affairs could have widespread impacts if they fail to consider real-world conditions on the ground.

Sarmidi explained that local Indonesian tobacco varieties naturally possess relatively high nicotine content. Consequently, if nicotine and tar limits are set too low to follow certain international standards, he fears that domestic tobacco yields will no longer be absorbed by the industry. Such a situation could threaten the sustainability of the national clove cigarette (kretek) industry, which relies on local raw materials. Beyond the industry, the impact would also be felt by tobacco farmers and workers within the tobacco sector.

“This is what needs to be discussed and deliberated; we must not create rules that cannot be applied or maintained by ourselves,” Sarmante stated in a written statement on Tuesday, 19 May 2026.

He also highlighted the importance of involving other ministries in the policy-making process, particularly those directly related to the agricultural and labour sectors. He argued that the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Manpower possess essential insights into the conditions of tobacco farmers and workers in the cigarette industry, and their aspirations must be considered during the regulatory drafting process.

Sarmidi maintains that government regulations should prioritise national interests, including the continued livelihoods of communities dependent on the tobacco industry. “Policy must provide solutions. If it does not offer a solution, then we must question that policy,” he asserted.