PROCESSING CENTER FOR THE TOBACCO CIGARETTE INGREDIENTS

I remember that the late Buppak (my father on the island of Bawean, East Java) always order a same thing every time I crossed into Java: tobacco. Stuff that makes us become familiar in the days that followed. Tobacco that I brought from Java were the usual chopped tobacco obtained from Gresik Market. The dried leaves Buppak store in a shabby plastic that already contains rolling papers. The plastic was never out of his hands, and brought into the fields, bathroom, until he went to bed. Buppak is a hard worker who changed unproductive if he did not smoke one cigarette a day goods.

"Without cigarettes, I am uncomfortable eating Mom," celetuknya in Bawean-Malay accent thick.

I always wanted to buy tobacco which he Buppak tasty. Once upon a time I bring tobacco carelessly bought at the market, he was hooked because it tastes too sour. Since that time I began to pay more attention to the type of tobacco that I bought for her.

Buppak laughter while accepting tobacco from my hand, was invaluable.

Lombok is taliwang chicken and kale plecing. Lombok are the three Gili and Senggigi. Lombok is Sasak and Mount Rinjani. Plural island called Pulau Seribu mosque is not really known before. I just passed Lombok on a road trip to Labuan Bajo. So when Mas Nuran Wibisono invited me to visit this island again to determine the tobacco production process from upstream to downstream, this heart could not refuse. Know a place on the other side is always sounded interesting. I was more excited after learning some of the names that crisscrossed in the virtual world seems to participate.

After receiving bids Mas Nuran with a big smile, I realized that the theme of this trip might be a little sentimental (indeed my son repairman upset, anyway). I do not have a good relationship with cigarettes being the main product of this green gold. I must be willing to lose my father after his primary school after years of suffering from a stroke as a result of which he suction poison cigarettes every day without a break. Since that time I have a distaste (if 'hate' sounds too rough) on such small objects. But it was strange to hate one thing that even the crude form I had never touched. Besides, I always keep a sense of curiosity about tobacco that has been entrenched as a part of Indonesian culture. I also remember how tobacco is the openness of the interaction between me and Buppak, between the host and the newcomer. Although I do not smoke, of course.

A middle-aged man who greeted us that morning sI remember that the late Buppak (my father on the island of Bawean, East Java) always order a same thing every time I crossed into Java: tobacco. Stuff that makes us become familiar in the days that followed. Tobacco that I brought from Java were the usual chopped tobacco obtained from Gresik Market. The dried leaves Buppak store in a shabby plastic that already contains rolling papers. The plastic was never out of his hands, and brought into the fields, bathroom, until he went to bed. Buppak is a hard worker who changed unproductive if he did not smoke one cigarette a day goods.

"Without cigarettes, I am uncomfortable eating Mom," celetuknya in Bawean-Malay accent thick.

Buppak laughter while accepting tobacco from my hand, was invaluable.

After receiving bids Mas Nuran with a big smile, I realized that the theme of this trip might be a little sentimental (indeed my son repairman upset, anyway). I do not have a good relationship with cigarettes being the main product of this green gold. I must be willing to lose my father after his primary school after years of suffering from a stroke as a result of which he suction poison cigarettes every day without a break. Since that time I have a distaste (if 'hate' sounds too rough) on such small objects. But it was strange to eemed still energetic. With Timurannya typical Javanese accent, he introduced himself as the father of Alexander, senior manager of PT Djarum in Lombok area. Casual discussions with him in the office before exploring the warehouse area, into my footing in understanding more about the process of tobacco production are quite unfocused. Oh yes, cigarettes provided by the company welcomed by friends who smoke. Ha ha ha. Atmosphere discussion immediately melting as cigarette smoke which flood the room.

It has been two decades more Sidoarjo born man living in Lombok and introduce virginia tobacco farmers in Lombok. Oh yes, I know from him precisely that Lombok is one of the biggest and best tobacco producer in Indonesia, and even the world. Previously I thought that tobacco is planted in Java. So do not be surprised if when touring Lombok, green expanse of broadleaf plants will often encounter.

After discussion, Mr. Iskandar took us around into a tobacco warehouse. The building is like to be a museum diorama, each part of the rooms have individual activities that can be enjoyed while walking slowly. Aroma tobacco warehouses filled the air, making me hooked aroma fragrance before it turns too dark.

I whispered to Mas Nuran who happened to be passing on the side, "Mas, the smell of tobacco was initially good, but why take a long time, I was giddy yes ..." The talk to just smile mysteriously sok. Finally I gave up and put on a face mask while looking around. These workers, hold ya also inhale the aroma of tobacco for hours in a day.

There are some major activities that can be seen in the tobacco warehouse. Lucky we came during the tobacco harvest season arrives where tobacco processing activities were in full swing. Unfortunately, we missed the consultation process conducted between the price of tobacco farmers to the representation of companies in the previous day, when the process is what most want to see. In addition to the price of deliberation, in the barn is also lasts weighing transaction activity and tobacco, reclassification, and repackaging to be sent to the central plant on the island of Java.

Tobacco warehouse environment. Boisterous!
weighing tobacco
Employees are divided into two, reclass reclass A and B correspond respectively jobdesk
Local middlemen Magelang, Agus Mulyadi

said Nuran, we intentionally invited to see the production process of tobacco in a reverse order, from downstream to upstream. This method successfully made me curious about how the shape of the dried leaves while still fresh stuck in the trunk. As it turned out, a cigarette has a very long journey. In a cycle of tobacco production, there are thousands of hand work.

After a brief tour in the warehouse, the bus took us to the next destination: a tobacco plantation village Padamara (read: Pademare) in East Lombok. Tobacco farmers in this village is also a partner of PT Djarum. Oh yes, of discussions with Mr. Iskandar I know that this type of partnership developed by tobacco companies is quite well-known. Djarum warrant to purchase tobacco result partner farmers with price has been discussed. The process of planting until pengovenannya was accompanied by that of quality of tobacco produced qualified. Needless to say, the level of farmers' knowledge has increased over time. This is in contrast with the stories that often I get about the injustices suffered by the tobacco farmers, who actually lose money when the harvest arrives.

It turned out that tobacco plants like this ...

On the second day, Mr. Iskandar took us to the village of lekor where a successful tobacco farmer named Haji Sabaruddin stay. Haji Sabar, as he is usually called, was so warmly welcomed our party who came to her home. I do not suspect that in the village that appears barren turns also grow tobacco plants were in sharp contrast to brownish weeds around it.

"The tobacco crop was spoiled at the same time very strong. In times of rapid growth, he needs that extra attention, but on the other hand though there is no water he can still grow and adapt to its environment, "said Mr. Alexander. Either own cigarettes keberapa he suction afternoon. Father of one's incredible.

After circling the tobacco plantation belonging to Haji Sabaruddin, we offered a fresh young coconut and a variety of traditional snacks in the house. Haji Sabaruddin revolves around the beginning of the tobacco get into this village and be excellent. Lekor village formerly feared because many people who become criminals. When tobacco was introduced and residents saw the proceeds, move them into a tobacco farmer today.

Sabaruddin Hajj pilgrimage again!
"Alhamdulillah of tobacco I could haj pilgrimage and now will be the second time," said Haji Sabaruddin smiling knot.

Tobacco leaves that have been learned then entered the oven (flue curing). In a tall building bermaterial brick box with no ventilation, tobacco has been tied to the bamboo gelantang lined up in the oven with a zigzag pattern or straight as required. During the four days of the traditional oven drying tobacco leaves to turn yellow in color. Diverse fuel has been tried, ranging from kerosene, LPG, coal, and now they use the fuel in the form of waste palm shells and hazelnut skin. Oven temperature should be maintained between 50-60 degrees Celsius with the heat evenly throughout the oven. If you do not dry completely, it will affect the taste of the tobacco. Only after passing the process, tobacco ready packed to be sent to a tobacco warehouse.

The inside of the oven with pipes magnitude
In two short days, many new terms and understanding that I have gained. Tobacco has similarities with coffee, each type has its own characteristics and each class. Loving care will produce quality tobacco leaves the price is worth it. This is where science and technology play a role.

Lunch was long when we arrived at the Cape Ann Beach, South Lombok. The sand is white with a smooth texture and blue sea if inviting us immediately immersed herself in the fresh water. Unfortunately, the sun was still too hot to enjoy.

I fell in love with the sea. But that afternoon, although the air is not as hot as it was, I was still reluctant to simply get closer to the water. Trauma almost drowned a year ago on the island of Bawean (I've never told you? Next time!) I am lazy enough reason to move. Also, I just preoccupied by thoughts that had been milling head, about all that I have gained over the past two days.

drone belonged Syukron a favorite of children
The tobacco industry is complex. The pros and cons of health, public welfare, to the political and economic problems, made me realize that tobacco has been so much a part of our daily lives. The presence of tobacco undoubtedly provide the color. Yes, the case does not necessarily love or hate makes us dull in thought. I'm tired of listening to the pros and cons of the cigarette case, and I was not interested in discussing it this time. There is interest in any of the alignments we take, I also had a personal experience that made me be in a position that may be at odds with some of the participants cruising tobacco. But amazingly, we can mutually respect the opinions and choices of each.

There is one thing I am certain now: I seem to be at peace with the past. When I return to Jakarta alone early on a Sunday night, I remember the smile Haji Sabaruddin and the people that I met during the trip cruising tobacco.

I still do not like smoking, but now I see it in a different meaning.

My story is not alone. There are other blogger friends who had already written first, and some have a complete review and a different perspective to talk about the process of tobacco production. Enjoy!