The Finance Minister recently emphasized the need to protect the survival of the local tobacco industry, while also addressing the issue of Chinese cigarette imports. Data from the Central Bureau of Statistics shows that from 2021 to July 2025, Indonesia imported tobacco and cigarettes (HS code 24, two-digit) from China worth USD 2.01 billion. The highest import value was in 2022, reaching USD 255.7 million; during the same period, total imports amounted to 252,456.6 tons, with the highest import volume in 2022 at 67,527.5 tons. He stated that he will soon meet with the Tobacco Industry Association to discuss the best tobacco tax policy, with the goal of sustaining the development of the local tobacco industry. The government will avoid a situation where Indonesia's tobacco industry is impacted while China's tobacco industry thrives due to supplying Indonesia. He said that if a face-to-face meeting is not possible, he will directly call the association. Furthermore, he hopes all parties will patiently wait for the 2026 tobacco tax rate decision, and will first listen to the explanations from the industry association.