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DENPASAR — Indonesia is stepping up efforts to expand its locally produced cigar industry into international markets, with Bali playing a key role in the initiative. The Indonesia Cigar Festival (ICF) is being positioned as a platform to promote local cigar products, strengthen cooperation among industry stakeholders, and open new export opportunities. Indonesia’s participation in Intertabak Germany, a major international tobacco exhibition, has also highlighted the country’s significant role in the global tobacco trade and the potential of its domestic cigar products.Senator and Chairman of the Bali Promotion Board, Arya Wedakarna, said stronger cooperation between tobacco farmers, producers, MSMEs, and the government is essential to developing Indonesia’s cigar industry. Bali’s large tourism market provides considerable potential for locally made cigars, with the island recording around 16 million tourist arrivals last year, including approximately 7 million international visitors and 9 million domestic tourists. Wedakarna said Indonesian cigars have the quality to compete with imported products from countries such as Cuba and the United States, while greater attention to packaging, branding, and product development could further strengthen their appeal.The festival also aims to establish Bali as a center for Asia’s cigar industry while expanding access to overseas markets. Export cooperation is currently being explored with Timor-Leste, Russia, China, and India, with further discussions expected during an ASEAN delegates’ meeting in Serangan on October 3. Meanwhile, six Bali-based cigar brands have participated in Intertabak Germany alongside PTPN from Sumatra. Organizers hope the ICF will create stronger links across the industry, bringing together farmers, producers, MSMEs, and government institutions to increase the competitiveness of Indonesian cigars and accelerate their entry into global markets.
