Ganjar Wants Tobacco Production To Increase: I Am A Defender Of Tobacco Farmers

Ganjar Pranowo (Photo via Campaign Team Ganjar Pranowo)

YOGYAKARTA Candidate for president (candidate) Ganjar Pranowo wants the government in the future to be able to improve the quality and supply of original Indonesian tobacco. This was conveyed during a visit at PT HM Sampoerna Bantul, Yogyakarta.

The 2024 presidential candidate number 03 said that national tobacco production is currently experiencing a decline. For this reason, in the future, the government needs to encourage improvement both in terms of quantity and quality.

"When we talk about the cigarette industry, it is not easy, the upstream of our national tobacco production is decreasing, but the need is increasing and ultimately by importing. So, tobacco farmers themselves must get protection," said Ganjar, Tuesday, December 19.

In addition, the government must be able to become a bridge for farmers and cigarette companies to establish mutually beneficial cooperation.

"So I convey that the relationship between tobacco farmers and manufacturers is important because this is one of the mutually beneficial cooperations, so I order it," he continued.

Ganjar emphasized that since he first served as Governor of Central Java in 2013, he has fought for the fate of tobacco farmers.

"2013 I am the governor, I say internationally the politics of cigarettes and tobacco is increasingly attracting between interests. So if we are chasing from supply alone, our tobacco wong is lacking, why do we replace it to other plants?" he said.

According to him, the government should actually seize opportunities by increasing quality tobacco production. For example, in Temanggung there is a worldwide type of srintil tobacco.

"I will encourage that. So that we can be independent in industrial supply. Actually, trade politics is extraordinary and we have to prepare a much better strategy on that matter. In fact, in the areas of Indonesia, our tobacco is great, in the Temanggung area there are good prices and the price can be millions and that potential cannot be turned off," said Ganjar.

The presidential candidate, who is paired with Mahfud MD, confirmed that he is a defender of tobacco farmers.

"The issue of excise duty increases, don't be too extreme and there must be control. Don't harm farmers. And I'm a defender of tobacco farmers," he concluded.

As is known, even though Ganjar is not a smoker, he always fights for the welfare of tobacco farmers in Central Java. In fact, Ganjar was awarded the title "Senopati Tobacco" by tobacco farmers in Temanggung as a form of recognition for his struggle to help tobacco farmers.