Pekalongan Regency partners with tourism groups to curb illegal cigarette trade

The government of Pekalongan Regency in Central Java has joined forces with local tourism communities (Pokdarwis), the Tegal customs office and village officials to intensify a campaign against illegal cigarettes. The initiative aims to protect tobacco excise revenue, which funds social programs such as BPJS health and employment insurance contributions.

Officials highlighted that the revenue from the Tobacco Excise Revenue Sharing Fund (DBHCHT) supports welfare payments and that safeguarding this income requires reducing the circulation of illicit cigarettes. The campaign includes public education on the dangers of illegal tobacco, outreach through tourism villages, and continued enforcement that has already seized more than 10 million illegal cigarettes in the surrounding districts.

At the same time, the regency plans to expand tobacco‑growing area from about 49 ha in 2024 to 69 ha by 2027, seeking to boost production and attract investment in tobacco‑derived industries.