A Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on the Feasibility Study of the Tobacco Product Industry Center (SIHT) was held in Garut Regency on Friday (March 15, 2024), attended by Acting Regent Barnas Adjidin. The event, organized by the Department of Industry and Trade (Disperindag) of West Java Province, aimed to discuss increasing tobacco production in Garut, the largest tobacco-producing area in West Java. Garut Regency, being the largest tobacco-producing area in West Java, aims not only for raw materials but also for finished products. Plans are underway by the West Java Provincial Government to establish a tobacco industry center, scheduled for construction in 2025.Acting Regent Barnas expressed hope for the smooth implementation of the Tobacco Product Industry Center construction plan in Garut and its positive impact on the local community, affirming support for the project. The center is expected to house various industries focusing on enhancing tobacco quality, including flavor, content, and processing methods, for sale in the market.

Noneng Komara Nengsih, Head of Disperindag of West Java Province, highlighted West Java's significant role, constituting 28% of Indonesia's industries, including the tobacco industry. With a goal for West Java to contribute 48% of Indonesia's industries by 2045, the establishment of the Tobacco Product Industry Center in Garut is a step toward achieving this target, representing the first of its kind in West Java.Garut Regency was chosen as the location for the Tobacco Product Industry Center due to its status as the largest tobacco-producing area in West Java, covering approximately 4,105 hectares. This center is expected to boost local revenue. Efforts are sought from the Ministry of Industry to facilitate the establishment of the center, along with support from the Customs Office. Ridwan Effendi, Head of the Department of Industry, Trade, Energy, and Mineral Resources (Disperindag ESDM) of Garut, noted that the regency already hosts 12 tobacco processing companies, each with its own brand. These companies, such as Mencos and Bola Dunia, contribute to enhancing production quality, showcasing Garut's progress from cultivation to processing in the tobacco industry.

Source: https://jabarprov.go.id/berita/sentra-industri-tembakau-berencana-dibangun-di-kabupaten-garut-12752