Company History
The history of the Taru Martani cigar company dates back to 1918 when a Dutch cigar manufacturer established a sole proprietorship in Yogyakarta.
During the Japanese occupation of Indonesia in 1942, N.V. Negresco was taken over by the Japanese government and renamed “Jawa Tobacco Kojo.”
Following the fall of the Japanese government in 1945, Jawa Tobacco Kojo was taken over by the Indonesian government. Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono IX renamed the company “Taru Martani,” which means “nurturing leaves.”
Unfortunately, in 1949, the company was once again taken over by N.V. Negresco.
In 1952, the Special Region of Yogyakarta, in collaboration with the State Industrial Bank of Jakarta, took the initiative to revive the company by establishing PT. Taru Martani. Its first director was Professor Mr. Kertanegara (1952-1957), assisted by experts from the Netherlands, including Habraken.
In an effort to expand its reach in 1972, the Yogyakarta government partnered with the Dutch company Douwe Egberts Tabaksmaatchappij BV in Utrecht, Holland, to export cigars to the Netherlands. They formed a joint venture called “PT. Taru Martani Baru,” which produced a range of branded cigars, including Senator, Mundi Victor, Adipati, Ramayana, and Panther. Starting in 1973, they also produced branded shag tobacco, including Van Nelle, Countryman, and White Ox.
The establishment of this joint venture was aimed at accelerating the growth of Taru Martani Baru. However, the company did not achieve the expected success. Over a period of 14 years (1972-1986), the company did not turn a profit and continued to incur losses. Recognizing this situation, in 1986, Douwe Egberts Tabaksmaatchappij BV Holland withdrew from the company. Starting in July 1986, Taru Martani Baru returned to being a Provincially-owned Corporation (Perusahaan Daerah or PD).
1918, Establishment of the Company.
This company was originally founded under the name N.V. Negresco by a Dutch cigarette manufacturer, Mignot & De Block B.V. in Bulu, along the Magelang Road.
1921 Company Relocation
N.V. Negresco was relocated to Baciro, Argolobang, where it remains to this day.
1942 Taken Over by the Japanese Government
N.V. Negresco was taken over by the Japanese government and its name was changed to “Jawa Tobacco Kojo.”
1949: New Identity
Following the fall of Japan, the factory was given a new identity, Taru Martani, bestowed by Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono HB IX.
1952 Started Using Brand
The company officially began using brand names.
1972 The Dutch Company Joins
A Dutch company, Douwe Egberts, formed a partnership with the Yogyakarta regional government. Over time, product brands also began to emerge, such as Adipati, Ramayana, Mundi Victor, Senator, and Panther.
1986 Dutch Company’s Withdrawal
Douwe Egberts withdrew from the company and returned the legal status of Taru Martani to the Yogyakarta regional government.
2012 Change of Legal Status
The Deed of Change of Legal Status into a Public Company (PT) with a diversified business scope (cigar production, sliced tobacco, processing, trading, distribution).
2015 Business Diversification
The process of diversifying our business began with charcoal briquette production for the export market.
Taru Martani’s business has expanded worldwide. Our products can be found in countries such as the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Belgium, Germany, the United States, France, Switzerland, Australia, various Asian countries, and the Middle East.
Our expertise in the cigar business has created a community of cigar enthusiasts and loyal customers both domestically and abroad.