Regarding Smoking Regulations in the Derivative Laws of the Health Law, Indonesia’s Ministry of Health Still Gathering Input

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Jakarta – The derivative regulations regarding restrictions on cigarette sales and advertising under Government Regulation No. 28 of 2024, following Law No. 17 of 2023, have not yet been “finalized.” The Indonesian Ministry of Health stated that several points have already been drafted and are currently in the public hearing stage to involve all stakeholders.

The public is encouraged to actively participate through the “Partisipasi Sehat” website. The consultation is targeted to be completed by mid-February 2025, followed by the harmonization phase among ministries and related agencies.

“Because tobacco-related issues have attracted many inputs, we are allocating sufficient time for stakeholders, both from the government and the public,” explained the Director of Non-Communicable Disease Prevention and Control (P2PTM) at the Indonesian Ministry of Health, Dr. Siti Nadia Tarmizi, during a public discussion at the National Library, Central Jakarta, Thursday (16/1/2025).

“There are many aspects we will regulate, including limits on nicotine and tar levels, as well as substances that should not be added,” Dr. Nadia added.

The urgency of implementing this regulation is tied to the increasing number of children becoming active smokers. Dr. Nadia even mentioned that the starting age for smoking in Indonesia has dropped to between 9 and 12 years.

“Indonesia is in a state of emergency regarding child smokers. The issue is not only about active smokers but also passive smokers. In households, an average of 60 percent of children are exposed to cigarette smoke,” emphasized Dr. Nadia.

Cigarettes are one of the leading contributors to non-communicable diseases such as stroke, heart disease, and cancer. Dr. Nadia noted that cases of these diseases have increased significantly. Globally, four major diseases are the most significant contributors to national health costs and burdens, and all are non-communicable.

“From a financial perspective, these four diseases are the most costly. Data from BPJS (Indonesia’s Social Security Agency) shows hundreds of millions are spent on these diseases, and smoking is the second highest risk factor causing non-communicable diseases,” she explained.

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