(A man picks tobacco leaves on a farm.)

In the fields of Aceh Province, Indonesia, farm workers shoulder bamboo baskets filled with freshly picked tobacco leaves and carry them to drying sheds. Under the midsummer sun, the green leaves release their pungent aroma, marking the start of the annual tobacco harvest.

(A worker dries tobacco leaves.)

(Workers spread tobacco leaves out to dry.)

Indonesia is one of the world’s leading tobacco producers, ranking steadily among the top ten in output. The distinctive kretek (clove cigarette) is not only the dominant local choice but also regarded as a cultural symbol. With more than half of adult men smoking, the industry relies heavily on the domestic market, though demand also comes from parts of the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia.

(A man inspects dried tobacco leaves for making homemade cigarettes.)

Tobacco plays a vital role in Indonesia, contributing substantial tax revenue to the state and providing livelihoods for millions of farmers and workers. Yet, as global tobacco control efforts intensify, Indonesia remains one of the few countries not to sign the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. This leaves the industry caught between opportunities for growth and mounting international criticism over health concerns.

（A man smokes a hand-rolled cigarette.）

Smoking-related diseases remain a heavy burden on public health in Indonesia. Data shows that the country currently has more than 70 million smokers. In 2024, Health Minister Budi announced a new regulation raising the minimum age for purchasing tobacco from 18 to 21. Nevertheless, many Indonesian teenagers continue to consume tobacco products out of curiosity.

(A woman harvests tobacco leaves on a farm.)

The harvest scenes in Aceh today are not only a picture of abundance but also a reflection of the country’s complex struggle between economic reliance and health risks.