East Java Deputy Governor Emil Dardak: Cigar From Jember With International Sovereignty

JAKARTA - Deputy Governor of East Java (East Java Deputy Governor) Emil Elestianto Dardak said that cigars from Jember Regency are quality international premium products, because the cigars are exported and enjoyed by cigar lovers around the world.

"Jember fruit, which has so far maintained its quality, so that Jember cigars can steal the attention of lovers and are known as international cigars," Emil said in a written statement, quoted from Antara, Saturday, July 22.

The East Java Deputy Governor attended a series of activities at the 2023 Jember City Cerutu Indonesia (JKCI) Festival, at the Tebing Cafe, Sukorambi Botani Park, Jember Regency, Friday (21/7) night.

According to him, tobacco has an important and deep meaning for the people of Jember and Indonesia as a whole, so that through JKCI, which has entered its 5th year, it is proof that Jember has extraordinary tobacco products, because not all tobacco production can be used as the best cigar raw material.

"I can say that Jember cigars are of special and premium quality whose production process uses first-class tobacco," he also said.

He hopes that the existence of Jember cigars that have export quality can have an economic impact, improve and build the welfare of the people of Jember and East Java.

Based on data from the cigar community, it is stated that tobacco, which is world-quality, is directly exported, meaning that tobacco products from Jember contribute to foreign exchange which is so extraordinary for Indonesia.

The former Trenggalek Regent stated that he would always fully support and provide support, so that this momentum must be maintained so that many tobacco farmers and the surrounding community will feel the impact of the Jember cigar.

He explained that the tobacco industry has a significant social impact, especially in terms of employment. The people of Jember who are involved in the industry continue to be empowered and are given the opportunity to develop their skills beyond the scope of tobacco farming.

"Every year, the average Jember cigar can produce 9,000 tons of cigars. From that figure, if divided into each hectare, it provides jobs for tobacco farmers in every 1 hectare, then there are 10 farmers working on it," he said again.

If the total number of tobacco farmers involved is around 90,000 farmers, and if there are four areas that are being worked on, it will be able to have an impact on 360,000 people benefiting from the cigar.

"This activity is very important. The East Java Provincial Government continues to encourage training and skills development programs for tobacco workers and farmers," he also said.

Thus, he said again, farmers have a sustainable livelihood alternative in the future and his party is proud of the quality of cigars that will continue to be maintained in Jember.