Jakarta’s Smoke-Free Zone Legislation Faces Criticism – Public Health Advocate: “It Will Not Harm Small Businesses”

Key points:

·Public health experts in Jakarta, Indonesia are discussing the potential legislation of smoke-free zones. 

·They are refuting misleading statements and believe that the new regulations could improve the overall societal health. 

·Various sectors are urging collaboration in combating misinformation.

According to Nusantara Journal on August 20th, during the discussion of the draft local smoke-free zone ordinance (Ranperda KTR) in Jakarta, some misleading statements have come to light. Some individuals claim that such policies will have a negative impact on small and medium-sized businesses like restaurants, street vendors, and nightclubs. In response, Tubagus Haryo Karbyanto, a public health advocate involved in the legislative process of Jakarta's Ranperda KTR, stated that these accusations are baseless.

Tubagus Haryo Karbyanto pointed out that experiences in major cities around the world have shown that implementing smoke-free policies not only does not harm grassroots economies, but instead, a healthy and smoke-free environment makes the public more willing to shop, dine, or enjoy entertainment. He emphasized, "Diners at eateries are there for the food, not for smoking, and healthy and affordable cuisine is what they seek.

The Jakarta Regional Representatives Council (DPRD) is currently deliberating on the Ranperda KTR regulation, which aims to enhance the implementation of Government Regulation No. 28 of 2024 while also incorporating best practices from around the world. Some key provisions of this regulation include banning the sale of tobacco and e-cigarette products within 200 meters of educational institutions and children's playgrounds, a comprehensive ban on tobacco product advertising, promotion, and sponsorship, as well as prohibiting the sale of single cigarettes. These measures are intended to reduce opportunities for children and adolescents to purchase cheap cigarettes.

Tubagus Haryo Karbyanto believes that this regulation not only protects public health but also helps alleviate the high medical expenses caused by tobacco consumption. He pointed out that over 290,000 people die in Indonesia each year from smoking-related illnesses. If Jakarta implements Tobacco Control Regulations (KTR), it will effectively reduce social and health costs, while enhancing economic competitiveness.

Furthermore, he pointed out that opposing the Packaging of Tobacco Products Regulation (KTR) on economic grounds is actually a rehash of the old arguments from the tobacco industry. Tubagus Haryo Karbyanto called for the Regional Representative Council (DPRD), local governments, business associations, scholars, health professionals, media, and civil society to unite in resisting such false information.

Finally, Tubagus Haryo Karbyanto suggested that the special committee of the DPRD and the draft drafting committee should not weaken the standards set by the central government, as the Jakarta provincial government is expected to establish a cross-agency implementation and oversight mechanism. At the same time, he called on business associations, such as the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association, restaurant communities, and night entertainment associations, to see this regulation as a long-term investment in creating a healthy and sustainable business environment. He concluded that smoke-free areas are not only health regulations, but also sustainable economic policies. Reducing tobacco consumption will improve public health, increase productivity and purchasing power, which means that customers for small and medium-sized enterprises will increase, not decrease.