The Role of Digitalization and CSR in Supporting Women in the Tobacco Industry in Bojonegoro
Digitalization and corporate social responsibility can contribute to strengthening the capacity of women who work in or are connected to the tobacco industry in Bojonegoro.
PJMK Lecturer: Dr. Irda Agustin Kustiwi, SA., MA., CGAA.
BOJONEGORO — Women as Part of Industrial Development
Industrial development is not only about technology, production, and economic growth. Behind industrial activities are people who carry out various roles, including women.
In Bojonegoro Regency, the tobacco industry is closely connected to the local community. Thousands of workers are involved in tobacco-related industrial activities, making the sector relevant to the economic lives of many local residents.
In 2026, the Bojonegoro Regency Government reported that thousands of cigarette factory workers received Direct Cash Assistance funded through the Tobacco Products Excise Revenue Sharing Fund, or DBHCHT.
This situation illustrates the connection between the tobacco industry and the local workforce. In this context, strengthening workers’ capacity is an important issue, including the capacity of women involved in the industry.
Digitalization and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) can become part of this effort.
Digitalization Is Changing the World of Work
The development of digital technology has changed the way people work and communicate. Many jobs now rely on digital devices to access information, manage data, communicate, and complete various tasks.
These changes make digital skills increasingly important.
For women working in the tobacco industry, digital skills can help them adapt to changes in the workplace. Digital literacy can include the ability to operate devices, access information, use applications, and understand basic data security.
However, these skills do not necessarily develop automatically. Training and opportunities to learn about technology remain important.
Strengthening Women’s Capacity
Strengthening women’s capacity is not limited to improving their ability to perform specific tasks. It also includes the ability to learn, adapt, make decisions, and take advantage of available opportunities.
Digitalization can provide one pathway toward these goals.
Through digital training, women can gain new knowledge that is relevant to changes in the workplace. Training programs can be adjusted according to participants’ needs, ranging from basic digital skills to more specific technological competencies related to their jobs.
A study by Kustiwi and Sutjahyani (2026) on women in the tobacco industry in Bojonegoro discusses digitalization, internal control, and CSR in relation to strengthening women’s capacity and supporting sustainable downstream development.
CSR Is More Than Financial Assistance
Corporate Social Responsibility, or CSR, is often associated with companies’ efforts to contribute to society. Such programs may take the form of social assistance, environmental activities, education, or community empowerment.
However, CSR can serve a broader purpose.
CSR programs can be designed to strengthen people’s capabilities over the long term. In the context of women working in or connected to the tobacco industry, such programs could include skills training, digital literacy, entrepreneurship development, education, and other capacity-building activities.
This approach allows CSR to provide more than short-term assistance. It can also create opportunities for beneficiaries to develop skills that can be used in the future.
Connecting Digitalization with CSR
Digitalization and CSR can complement each other.
For example, companies could incorporate digital skills training into CSR programs designed for female workers or surrounding communities. Such programs could provide participants with practical knowledge about technology that is relevant to their daily activities and work.
Training could also be delivered gradually. Participants could first receive basic knowledge before moving on to more specific or advanced skills.
This approach can help ensure that CSR programs are not limited to providing assistance, but also contribute to developing the capabilities of their beneficiaries.
The Role of Internal Control
In addition to digitalization and CSR, internal control is another important aspect.
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Internal control is part of an organization’s process for helping ensure that activities are carried out according to established procedures and objectives. It can involve the division of responsibilities, monitoring, and evaluation.
In an industrial environment, internal control can help create a more structured workplace. For female workers, a clear organizational environment can help them understand their responsibilities, work procedures, and expected roles.
The study on women’s capacity in the tobacco industry in Bojonegoro examines digitalization, internal control, and CSR together in the context of sustainable downstream development.
Government Support for Tobacco Industry Workers
Attention to workers in the tobacco industry can also be seen through government programs.
In 2026, the Bojonegoro Regency Government distributed DBHCHT-funded cash assistance to thousands of cigarette factory workers. The program represents one form of using tobacco excise revenue-sharing funds to support communities connected to the tobacco sector.
Social assistance can help address short-term needs. However, capacity building through education and skills development can also become part of a longer-term approach.
These two approaches can complement each other. Financial assistance can help communities address immediate needs, while empowerment programs can contribute to strengthening their capabilities.
Women and Sustainable Downstream Development
Downstream development is often associated with efforts to increase the added value of products. However, sustaining such processes also requires human resources capable of adapting to industrial changes.
Women involved in the industry can become part of this process.
When women have access to technology, training, and supportive working environments, they have greater opportunities to improve their skills and adapt to changing conditions.
Digitalization can provide access to information and technology. CSR can serve as a mechanism for empowerment. Meanwhile, internal control can help create a more structured working environment.
Challenges in Women’s Empowerment
Despite these opportunities, empowerment programs also face challenges.
One of them is the difference in digital skills among workers. Not everyone has the same level of experience or understanding of technology.
Therefore, training programs need to be adjusted to participants’ actual needs. Material that is too difficult may make it harder for participants to follow the program effectively.
Program sustainability is another consideration. A single training session may not be sufficient to create long-term change. Follow-up activities and evaluation may be needed so that the skills acquired can continue to be used and developed.
Building Industry Together with Its Human Resources
Industrial development cannot be separated from human resource development. Technology can help improve efficiency, but people remain an important part of operating and developing an industry.
For this reason, strengthening women’s capacity should be considered as part of the broader discussion about industrial development.
Digitalization, CSR, and internal control can provide support from different perspectives. Digitalization creates opportunities to improve technological skills. CSR can serve as a platform for empowerment. Internal control can help establish a more structured working environment.
Towards a More Sustainable Industry
Industrial change requires an ongoing process. Women’s empowerment cannot be achieved through a single program either.
Cooperation between companies, government institutions, workers, and communities is needed to ensure that programs respond to actual needs.
For Bojonegoro, strengthening the capacity of women involved in the tobacco industry can become part of an effort to develop human resources that are more adaptable to technological developments and changes in the world of work.
Ultimately, industrial sustainability cannot be viewed solely from the perspective of production and economic activity. Human resource development is also an important part of building an industry capable of adapting to change.
References
Kustiwi, I. A., & Sutjahyani, D. (2026). Digitalisasi, Pengendalian Internal, dan CSR dalam Penguatan Kapasitas Perempuan untuk Hilirisasi Berkelanjutan Industri Rokok di Bojonegoro. Anggaran: Jurnal Publikasi Ekonomi dan Akuntansi, 4(3), 457–471.
Pemerintah Kabupaten Bojonegoro. (2026). Pemkab Bojonegoro Salurkan BLT DBHCHT pada Buruh Pabrik Rokok Tahun 2026.
Pemerintah Kabupaten Bojonegoro. (2026). Di MPS Dander, Wabup Nurul Azizah Salurkan Pencairan BLT DBHCHT Buruh Rokok Tahap 2.
