Indonesian Tobacco Union Refuses Foreign Intervention in Tobacco Policy

The Federation of Jakarta-based Cigarettes, Tobacco, Food and Beverage Workers' Unions (FSP RTMM) under SPSI has declined to endorse foreign groups intervening in Indonesia's tobacco policies.

FSP RTMM Sudarto, the person in charge, conveyed this during the 7th Asia-Pacific Mayors' Summit held by the Asia-Pacific Cities Alliance for Tobacco Control and Non-communicable Diseases (APCAT) from December 1-3 last year.

Sudato stated that there are clear signs of foreign intervention in tobacco policy-making. One example is the participation of multiple foreign organizations in the 7th Asia-Pacific City Summit and Mayors Forum (APCAT).

According to Sudarto, the funding from international organizations for regulating Indonesia's tobacco policies has become an open secret.

Many people understand the flow of funds. However, those who attack the tobacco industry only use funds for their own campaigns, without considering the impact on workers. When it comes to cigarettes, we must look deeper because there is an employee aspect. On December 2nd, we sent a letter to President Jokowi refusing to intervene," stated Sudato on Monday (December 12th) in a written statement released in Jakarta.

Sudarto added that in 1945, the second section of Article 27 of the law specifically protected the legitimate rights of workers, stating that every citizen has the right to work for humanity and live a decent life. Additionally, the tobacco industry is a lawful profession.

Sudarto stated that the attendees of the event include several regional leaders who should maintain neutrality and understand that employment opportunities are limited. They themselves are not responsible for providing jobs. He also emphasized the uncertain economic situation and the threat of global economic recession and massive layoffs that must be taken into consideration.

Sudarto further explained that tobacco control is already regulated under government regulation (PP) 109/2012 and there are ongoing efforts to revise it.

Despite the fact that PP 109/2012 has fully regulated the tobacco issue, he believes that pushing for the revision of PP 109/2012 is also driven by foreign organizations, but there is no clear data or evidence.

If you want to make changes, you should evaluate it first. Just because it's not being enforced strongly enough, doesn't necessarily mean the regulations need to be modified. This policy has many elements, including personnel. RTMM is not against regulation, but we must assess the situation," said Sudarto.

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