If Elected By The President, Ganjar Promises To Protect Cigarette Workers And Tobacco Farmers

Presidential Candidate Ganjar Pranowo greets thousands of rolling workers at the Grandel Malang cigarette factory, Friday, October 13 (Ist)

The presidential candidate (candidate) in 2024, Ganjar Pranowo, emphasized that he would regulate the tobacco import mechanism, if he was elected President of the Republic of Indonesia. With the regulation of tobacco imports, the fate of tobacco farmers, manufacturers, and thousands of roll cigarette workers can be guaranteed.

This was conveyed by Ganjar when greeting thousands of rolling workers at the Grandel Malang cigarette factory, Friday, October 13. In addition, he also met a number of cigarette entrepreneurs who were members of the Malang Cigarette Entrepreneurs Association (Gaperoma).

"Yes, I talked with cigarette entrepreneurs and now with the workers. I am happy to be able to meet them and some provide input so that cigarette companies can survive," said Ganjar.

According to Ganjar, the state needs to be involved in defending the rolling cigarette industry that has existed since Indonesia was not yet independent. Although, regulations that are not easy because of global competition and many interests involved, there must be partiality there.

"I got a lot of information, for example about excise duty. Yok, we regulate tobacco imports, about excise duty. Make sure the farmers' tobacco is absorbed and make sure those who import it also pay excise," he explained.

In addition to increasing state revenue, the regulation of tobacco imports and excise can be used as a tool to protect cigarette entrepreneurs, cigarette workers to tobacco farmers.

"Because they have worked hard so far to maintain this product or commodity long before Indonesia's independence," he said.

Including he continued, an approach to cigarette entrepreneurs. In the midst of the progress of the times where machines are very sophisticated, the linting cigarette industry must be preserved.

"That is the importance of good industrial relations between employees, employers and the government. It takes a heart to speak," he concluded.

One of the linting workers at the functory, Sulik (59) said he was happy to meet Ganjar. He hopes that Ganjar can maintain rolled cigarettes and prosper the workers.

"Yes, I hope that Pak Ganjar can always prosper the community, make cigarette companies more advanced so that we lined-up workers are more prosperous," he said.