Kretek

Carried on the breezes of a sultry, tropical night, the scent of Kretek - Indonesia's indigenous cigarette - is the aromatic soul of a nation. Bringing together tobacco from the New World and spices from the Old, kretek is a product of extraordinary historical circumstances. This book not only documents the birth of this remarkable product a hundred years ago, but also provides an introduction to the kretek industry today - an industry that provides a livelihood for millions of Indonesians and is a major pillar of the Indonesian economy. Kretek, however, is more than an exotic cigarette and an economic phenomenon; it is an integral part of Indonesia's cultural traditions. Featuring a selection of specially commissioned photographs with a collection of rare maps, this work tells the story of Kretek from its origin as a remedy for asthma to its ascendancy as a cultural icon.