The government is taking significant steps to tackle the rising number of smokers in Indonesia. With a startling increase in active smokers, now estimated at 70 million according to the 2023 Indonesian Health Survey (SKI), the government is implementing stricter regulations to curb this public health issue.
One of the key measures introduced in Government Regulation Number 28 of 2024 is the prohibition of selling individual tobacco products or cigarettes. This regulation aims to prevent new smokers in Indonesia from starting and to reduce the overall smoking prevalence.
The regulation is explicitly detailed in Article 434, paragraph (1), letter c, which states, “Every person is prohibited from selling single units of tobacco products and electronic cigarettes, except for tobacco products in the form of cigars and electronic cigarettes.” Additionally, it bans cigarette sales within a 200-meter radius of schools and children’s play areas, as specified in letter e of the same article.
President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) recently signed this crucial regulation, which forms part of the broader implementation of Law Number 17 of 2023 on Health. The regulation includes several other important provisions related to smoking.
For instance, Article 433, paragraph 1, mandates that all producers and importers of tobacco products, such as machine-rolled white cigarettes, must package them in packs of no less than 20 sticks. This measure aims to make cigarettes less accessible and affordable, particularly for younger individuals.
Read also: Beyond Tourism, Bali Targets New Revenue Streams with Carbon Credits
In a bid to promote smoke-free environments, the regulation also encourages the Minister to award local governments that successfully implement smoke-free areas, as stated in Article 445, paragraph 1. This initiative is expected to create more public spaces where smoking is prohibited, contributing to a healthier environment.
Furthermore, Article 446, paragraph 1, prohibits the advertisement of tobacco products and electronic cigarettes on digital social media platforms. This ban is designed to reduce the exposure of young people to smoking-related content, thereby discouraging them from picking up the habit.
The regulation also addresses misleading advertising by banning certain terms that imply lower health risks or superior quality. Article 187, paragraph 2, letter b, specifically prohibits words such as “light,” “ultralight,” “mild,” “extramild,” “lowtar,” “slim,” “special,” “full flavour,” “premium,” or any similar terms that suggest a safer or better product.
The overarching goal of these stringent measures is to decrease the prevalence of smokers, prevent new individuals from starting to smoke, and ultimately reduce the health and mortality rates associated with smoking. The government’s proactive approach demonstrates a strong commitment to improving public health and ensuring a healthier future for all Indonesians.
“Every person who produces and/or imports tobacco products is prohibited from including words like ‘light,’ ‘ultralight,’ ‘mild,’ ‘extramild,’ ‘lowtar,’ ‘slim,’ ‘special,’ ‘full flavour,’ ‘premium,’ or other words indicating quality, superiority, safety, image, personality, or words with similar meanings,” as outlined in Article 187, paragraph 2, letter b.
By implementing these comprehensive regulations, Indonesia aims to create a smoke-free generation and significantly cut down the health risks associated with tobacco use. The government’s decisive action underscores its dedication to safeguarding public health and combating the tobacco epidemic.
