Indonesia Plans to Strengthen Tobacco Control Laws

The Indonesian government has announced plans to strengthen its tobacco control laws in an effort to curb underage smoking. According to The Jakarta Post, the health ministry is seeking to regulate the marketing and packaging of e-cigarettes, which have been unregulated since legalization in 2018. Additionally, the ministry is pushing for an increase in graphic health warnings on tobacco packaging from 40% to 90%, a ban on tobacco advertising and promotions, and a ban on the sale of single cigarettes.

Photo credit: Taco Tuinstra.

In addition to amending the current tobacco regulations, the government is also planning to further increase the cigarette consumption tax next year. Earlier this year, the Ministry of Finance raised the tobacco consumption tax by 12%, resulting in an average increase of 35% in cigarette prices.

As one of the largest tobacco markets in the world and home to numerous cigarette manufacturers, Indonesia has long been known for its lax tobacco laws. It is one of the few countries in Asia that has not yet ratified the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

Indonesia is the only country in Southeast Asia that still allows cigarette advertising on television and print media. According to the 2019 Global Youth Tobacco Survey, approximately 65% of Indonesian children are exposed to tobacco advertising through television, point-of-sale displays, and billboards.

In a recent news item, the city of Surabaya announced that it will start imposing fines and community service on individuals who disregard its smoking and e-cigarette-free zones, by the end of August.

Smokers and e-cigarette users will face a fine of 250,000 Indonesian Rupiah (equivalent to $17.04 USD) for each violation. For institutions and companies, the city will impose a phased sanction system that includes written warnings, temporary closures, and administrative fines of up to 50 million Indonesian Rupiah (equivalent to $3,408 USD) before ultimately allowing revocation.

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