Ganjar Pranowo And Customs And Excise Destroy 9.7 Million Illegal Cigarette Batangs, This Is The Goal

Ganjar Pranowo participated in destroying illegal cigarettes by burning them. (IST)

Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo together with the Central Java Customs and Excise Regional Offices and DIY, destroyed 9.7 million illegal cigarettes in the courtyard of the Central Java Governor's Office, Tuesday, January 31. Apart from being a form of law enforcement, the destruction of official non-excise cigarettes is to socialize the importance of cigarette excise revenue for the public.

Millions of illegal cigarettes destroyed were the result of prosecution during 2022. There are various modes of spread, including using travel services, truck transportation and couriers.

The Governor of Central Java, Ganjar Pranowo, said that the handling of illegal cigarettes is not a light homework. This is because illegal cigarette factories are increasingly mushrooming, almost in each region.

"Our homework is getting less and less light, because cigarette products are everywhere. So, Customs and Excise is running, the Police are running, the Attorney General's Office is running, the TNI is also joining. So if we can detect it later and then we can find out more and more mode, then God willing, it will not be too difficult," said Ganjar.

Ganjar said that it is also important for the community to be involved in efforts to handle illegal cigarettes. The public can report if they are aware of the existence of cigarettes without official excise.

"Because if you look at this produced, there is a home industry, there is a small factory, so it's not invisible, it's visible. So if people know this, we can report it and then we can take action," he continued.

Responding to the rise of illegal cigarettes, Ganjar opened his hands to entrepreneurs to communicate. In addition to finding joint solutions, it also opens wide access to permit management.

"Yes, it must be educated. If you find them (illegal cigarette entrepreneurs) can be educated if they need a permit, take care of their permits carefully. But they mostly shoot (malsify brands). For entrepreneurs, we can educate them later," said Ganjar Pranowo.