An East Java region in Indonesia with a tobacco cultivation history dating back to 1771 under the VOC and formal development beginning in 1859, has emerged as a global tobacco powerhouse. Its tobacco, particularly the “Besuki Na-Oogst” (BNO) variety, is celebrated for its distinctive flavor, making it highly prized by cigar manufacturers in the Americas and widely exported to Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Unlike the decline seen in other Indonesian tobacco hubs such as Deli Serdang and Temanggung, Jember's production has continued to thrive, thanks to strong cultivation methods and sustained international demand.
According to 2023 data from East Java’s Industry and Trade Office, Jember exported over 3 million kilograms of tobacco, generating foreign exchange earnings of approximately USD 31.95 million. This highlights how Jember's success cements its position as a leading exporter in Indonesia’s tobacco industry and contributes significantly to national export revenue. Its consistent quality and flavor profile help maintain its status as Indonesia’s “primadona” in the global tobacco market.
