Ironi Emas Hijau: Ketidakadilan Sosial-Ekonomi Petani Tembakau di Tengah Kontribusi Besar terhadap Penerimaan Negara

Abstract

Tobacco remains one of the most strategic agricultural commodities in Indonesia, contributing significantly to state revenues through excise taxes and providing employment across farming and manufacturing sectors. However, this study highlights a paradox in which the macroeconomic benefits of tobacco are not reflected in the microeconomic realities of farmers, particularly in Sukowono, Jember. Employing a descriptive-critical qualitative approach, data were collected through field observations, in-depth interviews with farmers, laborers, and intermediaries, as well as an analysis of government policy documents. Thematic analysis reveals three critical findings: first, the substantial contribution of tobacco excise to national and regional income stands in sharp contrast to the precarious livelihood of farmers burdened by scarce and expensive subsidized fertilizers; second, the tobacco value chain demonstrates structural inequality, where industries and the state capture the largest margins, leaving farmers in a vulnerable bargaining position; third, fiscal policies such as excise increases and problematic fertilizer distribution have generated social consequences, including frustration, household indebtedness, and silent resistance within farming communities. These findings underscore the urgent need for policy reform that ensures distributive justice for upstream producers. The study contributes to the literature on agrarian political economy while offering practical recommendations for agricultural policy toward more equitable and sustainable rural development.