Plain Packaging Rules Put Fate of Tobacco-Producing Regions at Stake
The Temanggung regency government has expressed its objection to the draft Minister of Health Regulation on Warnings and Health Information, which includes provisions for standardising the shape and colour of tobacco product packaging, commonly known as plain packaging. The local government believes the policy could negatively impact tobacco-producing regions whose economies remain heavily dependent on the sector.
The stance was conveyed during a Synergy of Government, Industry, and Farmers in Building a Sustainable National Tobacco Ecosystem discussion, part of the 2026 Bhayangkara 80th Anniversary celebrations held at the Pendopo Pengayoman in Temanggung.
Temanggung Regent Agus Setyawan stated that the regional government rejects several derivative regulations of Government Regulation Number 28 of 2024, particularly the draft ministerial regulation, which he believes will further burden the tobacco sector. “As a tobacco-producing centre, our community remains highly dependent on this commodity. Therefore, we reject the proposal for standardised packaging,” he said in an official statement on Thursday (9/7).
Agus explained that the Temanggung government has conveyed its position to several ministries and government agencies, including the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Cultural Affairs, the Presidential Staff Office, and the Ministry of Agriculture. The aim is to ensure the aspirations of tobacco-producing regions are considered in national policy formulation.
He argued that policies related to the tobacco products industry should not be viewed from a single perspective but must also consider their impact on the livelihoods of communities in tobacco-producing areas. He noted that the sector remains a source of income for farmers, farm labourers, and various businesses within the tobacco supply chain. To date, no tobacco crop diversification programme has proven successful, and the farmer exchange rate for tobacco remains higher than for other commodities, largely due to its short growing season. Tobacco is an intercropping plant that thrives during the dry season when other crops struggle to grow.
The rejection of the plain packaging proposal was also voiced by Wisnu Bhrata, Chairman of the Central Java chapter of the Indonesian Tobacco Farmers Association. He urged the government to re-evaluate the draft regulation, citing its potential impact on the economic survival of communities reliant on tobacco. He argued that policies such as standardised packaging, nicotine and tar limits based on European standards, and bans on certain additives contradict President Prabowo’s priority of improving farmer welfare.
According to Wisnu, the current challenging economic conditions should be a key consideration before introducing new regulations affecting labour-intensive sectors like the tobacco products industry. “Policies must consider their impact on the livelihoods of farmers, workers, and business actors who depend on the tobacco sector,” he said.
At the same forum, Djaka Kusmartata, Director of Technical and Excise Facilities at the Ministry of Finance, emphasised that discussions on the draft ministerial regulation must be comprehensive and involve all stakeholders. He stated that policymaking on tobacco products needs to set aside sectoral egos and balance various interests, from public health protection to industrial sustainability, farmer welfare, employment, and state revenue from excise.
“All parties need to sit together to find a solution that considers all interests without neglecting their respective functions,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Merrijantij Punguan Pintaria, Director of the Beverage, Tobacco Products, and Refreshing Materials Industry at the Ministry of Industry, said her ministry has also provided input on the plain packaging proposal. She noted that implementing plain packaging could erase product identity, which has long been part of industry differentiation. She added that the policy requires deeper study due to concerns it could fuel the circulation of illegal cigarettes, ultimately affecting state excise revenue.
“If not properly anticipated, this policy could increase the circulation of illegal cigarettes, which in turn may affect state revenue from the excise sector,” Merri concluded.