Temanggung Regency Asks for Review of Plain Packaging Regulation, Here's Why

The Temanggung Regency Government has voiced its objection to the Draft Minister of Health Regulation on Health Warnings and Information, which includes provisions for standardising the shape and colour of tobacco product packaging, commonly known as plain packaging.

Temanggung Regent Agus Setyawan stated that as a major tobacco-producing region, many residents still depend on the sector for their livelihoods. “As a tobacco-producing centre, our community remains heavily reliant on this commodity. Therefore, we reject the plain packaging proposal,” Agus said in a written statement on Monday, 13 July 2026.

According to Agus, the Temanggung Regency Government has conveyed its views to several ministries and government agencies, including the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Cultural Affairs, the Executive Office of the President, and the Ministry of Agriculture. He expressed hope that the aspirations of tobacco-producing regions would be considered in the formulation of national policy.

On the same occasion, the Chairman of the Central Java branch of the Indonesian Tobacco Farmers Association, Wisnu Bhrata, also urged the government to re-evaluate the draft regulation. He argued that any policy affecting the tobacco sector must consider its impact on farmers, labourers, and business operators whose incomes depend on the commodity.

Meanwhile, the Director of Technical and Excise Facilities at the Ministry of Finance, Djaka Kusmartata, said that discussions on the draft ministerial regulation should be conducted comprehensively, involving all stakeholders. He noted that policy formulation must take into account various aspects, from public health protection and industry sustainability to farmers’ welfare and state revenue from excise duties. “All parties need to sit together to find a solution that considers various interests without neglecting their respective functions,” Djaka stated.