Gaprindo Calls Circulation Of Illegal Cigarettes Categorized As Extraordinary Crimes

JAKARTA - The Association of Indonesian White Cigarette Manufacturers (Gaprindo) considers that those who circulate illegal cigarettes should be categorized as extraordinary crimes.

General Chairperson of Gaprindo Benny Wachjudi said the rampant circulation of illegal cigarettes in Indonesia had harmed state finances, health and the national economy.

"In our opinion, everyone who makes production, importation, storage, distribution and sale of illegal cigarettes should be categorized as an extraordinary crime because it is detrimental to state finances, health and the national economy," said Benny to VOI, Tuesday, September 30.

Benny said the government had to take extraordinary steps to eradicate these illegal cigarettes. This means that the government is eradicating optimally from upstream to downstream.

"Currently, the eradication of illegal cigarettes is mostly in the distribution and sales department, not much in the upstream area. Especially, at the production level and import sources," he said.

In addition, said Benny, there needs to be a minimum criminal sanction for parties involved in the circulation of these illegal cigarettes.

"Punishment must also be imposed with a maximum sentence, except for those who are willing to become justice collaborators, they can be subject to the principle of ultimum remedium by taking into account all the interests of the injured parties. This is all intended so that criminal behavior is deterrent," explained Benny.

Furthermore, Benny also welcomed the Ministry of Industry's plan to revise Permenperin Number 72 of 2008 concerning Registration and Supervision of the Use of Cigarette Ginting Machines (smoking) in anticipation of the rise of illegal cigarette production and circulation in the community.

However, he did not agree if in the revision of the regulation paper arrangements and cigarette filters were added.

"Because it will be a hassle for the legal cigarette industry, while illegal actors such as their habit of doing business illegally, it means buying paper and cigarette filters as well illegally," he concluded.

Meanwhile, based on data from the Ministry of Industry, the circulation of illegal cigarettes in Indonesia continues to increase during the 2019-2023 period.

In 2019, the circulation of illegal cigarettes was 3.03 percent. This figure continues to grow by reaching 6.9 percent in 2023.

Previously, the Ministry of Industry would prepare new regulations related to the circulation of illegal cigarettes, which has been quite rampant in the community lately.

This was conveyed by the Deputy Minister of Industry (Wamenperin) Faisol Riza when met after a media discussion entitled "Quao Vadis for Tobacco Products Industry Protection" in Jakarta, Monday, September 29.

"There are plans to make new regulations, the concept is being prepared. Later when it is ready, it will be submitted to friends (pers). The important thing is that controlling illegal cigarettes can be done," said Faisol.

Faisol said the highest violation was the plain packaging without excise stamps from the Machine Kretek Cigarette (SKM) type.

According to him, the existence of illegal cigarettes interferes with the performance of the tobacco products industry, especially the decline in the production of the legal tobacco products industry (IHT).

"This will harm legal cigarette manufacturers in Indonesia. Currently, several manufacturers have been affected, including several culinary idle machines, reduced utilization until there is a reduction in labor which will ultimately affect the welfare of workers/laborers in the tobacco products industry," he said.