Utilization of Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) in Kaliwates District, Jember Regency

Abstract

Tobacco is one of the important plantation commodities in Jember Regency that has economic, social, and cultural value for the community. In addition to being used as a raw material for the cigarette industry, tobacco is also utilized in various traditional practices by local people. This study aims to examine the forms of tobacco utilization and its level of importance in the lives of the community in Kaliwates District, Jember Regency. The research used a descriptive ethnobotanical approach with survey methods through semi-structured interviews and field observations. Informants were selected purposively based on their knowledge of tobacco utilization. Data analysis was conducted descriptively and by using the Index of Cultural Significance (ICS) to determine the cultural importance level of the tobacco plant. The results show that tobacco is utilized not only as a raw material for the cigarette industry but also as a natural pesticide, traditional medicine, and as part of the community’s economic activities. These findings indicate that tobacco plays an important role in the social and economic system of the Kaliwates community.