Vapeboss – Starting in 2023, the government officially increased the retail price and excise tax rate per cigarette by 10% from the previous year. However, this excise tax increase has not led active smokers to reduce their cigarette consumption.

Chandra (37), a resident who is a smoker, regrets the government's policy of raising cigarette excise taxes. This has resulted in the retail price of Machine-Made White Cigarettes (SPM), which he consumes, reaching Rp. 38,000 per pack and Rp 2,165 per stick.

"I don't understand the government anymore, everything has gone up. Cigarettes have also gone up like this, but what can we do, if the price increases, our consumption remains the same," said Chandra.

In addition to Chandra, Bagas (20) also complained about the same issue. He is a consumer of Machine-Made Clove Cigarettes (SKM), which have increased to Rp. 2,005 per stick. According to Bagas, this makes him consider switching to non-excise tobacco products or loose tobacco.

"It's getting more expensive, usually I buy a pack of cigarettes for Rp 28,000 per pack containing 16 sticks. If it gets more expensive like this, I think I'd rather choose 'tingwe' (hand-rolled cigarettes)," said Bagas.

The provisions for retail prices and excise tax per stick are stipulated in Minister of Finance Regulation (PMK) Number 191/PMK.010/2022 concerning the Second Amendment to PMK 192/PMK.010/2021 concerning Tobacco Product Excise Tariffs for cigarettes, cigars, leaf or klobot cigarettes, and sliced tobacco.

Source: MSN