Kudus, Central Java, Oct. 3 -- Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa reaffirmed the government's commitment to curb the production and distribution of illegal cigarettes while creating legal opportunities for small-scale businesses to support a fairer tobacco market.

"The government's efforts are not only about enforcement but also about providing a legal path for businesses that have long operated in the illegal sector," he said during a working visit here on Friday.

He delivered the remarks while visiting the Small Tobacco Industry Zone (LIK-IHT) or Tobacco Products Factory Agglomeration (APHT) in Kudus District, Central Java.

Sadewa stressed that if small producers lack capital, the government will seek ways to assist them. However,...