In the town of Jember, Indonesia, Boss Image Nusantara (BIN) Cigar is crafting cigars that have gained international recognition. The factory is filled with the warm aroma of tobacco, a testament to the intricate process that each leaf undergoes before becoming a finely wrapped cigar. The temperature inside the factory is maintained meticulously, as it is crucial for preparing the tobacco leaves used for cigar wrapping.
“Right now, we are in the stage of opening fermentation,” explains Febri Ananta Kahar, CEO of BIN Cigar. “There will be another fermentation process that lasts between two weeks and a month. Then, we move to sizing and sorting, where we separate defective leaves based on color, quality, and detail.”
BIN Cigar began as a center for developing the local tobacco variety known as Besuki Na-Oogst (BNO), with only about 10% of their leaves meeting the stringent requirements for wrappers. Every stage in the production is manual, requiring skilled labor to ensure the high quality of the final product.
A Workforce of Tradition
What sets BIN Cigar apart is its predominantly female workforce. This tradition has been maintained for generations. According to Febri, women bring a unique attention to detail and consistency that is crucial for cigar production. “Women are consistent and highly meticulous. Unlike men, who may not finish a task in two hours, women can sit, be consistent, and work carefully for hours,” Febri notes.
He emphasizes the importance of women in the industry, adding, “Around 1,500 people work here today, continuing the legacy of their parents. They work according to targets, focus intently, and understand precisely what needs to be done. We, in turn, need to understand their needs,” he says.
Innovation and Imitation
The company is renowned for its innovative methods, particularly in replicating the flavors of world-famous Cuban cigars. BIN Cigar currently exports to 15 countries under 24 different brands. The company has developed a method they call “observe, imitate, and modify,” allowing them to replicate almost every aspect of Cuban cigars, from aroma to taste.
