Pekalongan Regency and Tourism Groups Strengthen Campaign Against Illegal Cigarettes
The Pekalongan Regency Government in Central Java, in collaboration with local Tourism Awareness Groups (Pokdarwis), is strengthening the movement to combat illegal cigarettes. This effort is intended to protect state revenue and support regional development, community welfare, and the advancement of the tourism sector.
Anis Rosidi, Assistant for Economy and Development of Pekalongan Regency, stated on Sunday that revenue from tobacco excise duties provides tangible benefits to the community, including the financing of social security programmes. “The Tobacco Excise Revenue Sharing Fund (DBHCHT) is utilised to support various welfare programmes, such as the payment of BPJS Ketenagakerjaan and BPJS Kesehatan contributions for target groups in accordance with regulations. Therefore, excise revenue must be protected by suppressing the circulation of illegal cigarettes,” he said.
He added that the local government is also continuously encouraging the development of the tobacco farming sector, with a target to increase planting areas by approximately 20 hectares by 2027, rising from around 49 hectares in 2024 to 69 hectares in 2027. This increase is expected to support tobacco production and create investment opportunities within the tobacco products industry.
Through collaboration between the local government, Tegal Customs, village governments, tourism village managers, Pokdarwis, and the community, the movement to eradicate illegal cigarettes is expected to become more effective. The activity, funded by the Tobacco Excise Revenue Sharing Fund (DBHCHT), includes education on the characteristics and impacts of illegal cigarettes, while also serving as a platform to introduce the tourism potential of the Paninggaran District to the public.
Supriyadi, Head of the Communication and Informatics Office of Pekalongan Regency, noted that the development of tourism villages creates economic opportunities through the growth of MSMEs. He emphasised that business owners and members of tourism awareness groups hold a strategic position in helping the government disseminate information regarding the dangers of illegal cigarettes. “We hope the Pokdarwis community can act as an extension of the government through word-of-mouth methods to increase public awareness against buying or distributing illegal cigarettes,” he said.
Meanwhile, Aflachul, Head of the Internal Compliance and Extension Section of KPPBC TMP C Tegal, reported that as of July 2024, approximately 10 million sticks of illegal cigarettes have been seized within their jurisdiction, which covers Brebes, Tegal City, Tegal Regency, Pemalang, Pekalongan, and Batang. “Enforcement has primarily targeted distribution and delivery routes, including via courier services, toll roads, and rest areas. We invite the community to be part of the effort to break the chain of illegal cigarette circulation by not purchasing products that violate regulations,” he said.