WHO Urges Indonesian Lawmakers to Protect Youth from Tobacco

May.31.2024
WHO Urges Indonesian Lawmakers to Protect Youth from Tobacco
WHO urges Indonesian lawmakers to protect youth from tobacco harm as tobacco use among teens continues to rise.

According to a report by Bisnis on May 31st, the World Health Organization (WHO) called on lawmakers and policy makers in Indonesia to protect the younger generation from the dangers of tobacco on World No Tobacco Day.


According to the official website of the World Health Organization in Indonesia, Indonesia has the highest tobacco use rates in the world, with 11 million young people using various tobacco products. A study conducted by the Indonesian government, based on the Global School-Based Student Health Survey, showed that tobacco use among adolescents aged 13 to 17 increased from 13.6% in 2015 to 23% in 2023.


Between 2011 and 2021, the usage rate of new nicotine and tobacco products among individuals aged 15 and above in Indonesia has increased tenfold, reaching 3% of the Indonesian population. By 2023, the usage rate of e-cigarettes among students aged 13 to 17 has reached 12.6%, significantly higher than that among the adult population.


World Health Organization representative Dr. N. Paranietharan stated during a press conference:


Indonesia is currently at a crucial juncture in terms of health and development, especially in regards to controlling the negative health, social, and economic impacts of tobacco and new nicotine products.


Currently, Indonesia ranks third from the bottom in the global tobacco industry interference index, indicating significant interference by the tobacco industry in policy-making. Indonesia is one of 12 countries that have not yet ratified the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which empowers governments to combat interference by the tobacco industry.


However, Indonesia passed the Comprehensive Health Law last year and is in the process of revising the Broadcasting Law. Legislators and policy makers have the opportunity to protect the younger generation from the influence of the tobacco industry and accelerate Indonesia's health, social, and economic development.


The spokesperson emphasized that the Indonesian government should take a tough stance against the tobacco industry that harms public health and ensure that the regulations of comprehensive health laws include banning advertising, promotion, and sponsorship of tobacco and new nicotine and tobacco products on social media and the internet, especially activities targeting young people such as sports events, concerts, and art activities.


In addition, legislators also need to supplement proposals to ban the sale of new nicotine and tobacco products, as well as traditional tobacco products, to individuals under the age of 21. This includes prohibiting the sale of small packs of cigarettes, specifically those with fewer than 20 cigarettes per pack, and also banning the addition of flavorings to new nicotine and tobacco products to greatly reduce their appeal.


Finally, legislators need to establish and implement a unified tobacco tax system that applies to all types of tobacco and new nicotine and tobacco products, while also removing the 57% tax cap on retail prices. These two measures will enable legislators to increase tax rates to 75% or higher of retail prices, aligning with the best practices of the World Health Organization's MPOWER initiative.


We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Expo Watch | Flight Disruptions & Brand Shakeout Lead to Sluggish Dubai Vape Show — Exhibitors Say “It Feels Like a Solo Party”
Expo Watch | Flight Disruptions & Brand Shakeout Lead to Sluggish Dubai Vape Show — Exhibitors Say “It Feels Like a Solo Party”
Attendance declines at World Vape Show Dubai, with exhibitors citing lack of diversity in buyers and growing industry competition.
Jun.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Nielsen Report: Rampant Illegal Cigarette Trade in Malaysia Causes Annual Tax Loss of Up to RM5 Billion
Nielsen Report: Rampant Illegal Cigarette Trade in Malaysia Causes Annual Tax Loss of Up to RM5 Billion
According to data from the internationally renowned market research firm NielsenIQ, the illegal cigarette trade in Malaysia results in tax losses of RM5 billion (USD 1.1 billion) annually. Illegal products account for 54.6% of the market, with Johor, Selangor, and Sabah identified as smuggling hotspots. Customs authorities have successfully seized 6 million smuggled cigarettes.
Jun.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Product | Brands Like Off-Stamp and SKE Launch Clear-Tank E-Cigarettes in UK and US Markets
Product | Brands Like Off-Stamp and SKE Launch Clear-Tank E-Cigarettes in UK and US Markets
Several new e-cigarette products featuring clear-tank designs have recently entered the market, including the Off-Stamp X Cube Crystal Cube 35K in the U.S. and the SKE Crystal Edge X in the UK. These models offer increased puff counts and e-liquid capacity, with the transparent tank as a key design highlight.
Jul.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Japan Tobacco Launches Nationwide Sale of Ploom AURA and EVO Set at Half Price—Limited Offer for Around $9
Japan Tobacco Launches Nationwide Sale of Ploom AURA and EVO Set at Half Price—Limited Offer for Around $9
Japan Tobacco (JT) launched its new heated tobacco device Ploom AURA and premium stick brand EVO nationwide on July 1. Ploom AURA, using HEAT SELECT SYSTEM technology, is available for a limited time at ¥1,480 (about $9).
Jul.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai
U.S. State of Delaware Advances Tobacco Tax Hike Bill, New Rates Could Take Effect in September
U.S. State of Delaware Advances Tobacco Tax Hike Bill, New Rates Could Take Effect in September
Lawmakers in the U.S. state of Delaware have introduced a bill proposing a $1.50 increase in the tax on each pack of cigarettes and raising the tax rate on other tobacco products from 30% to 45%. The measure aims to boost state revenue and curb tobacco use, particularly among youth.
Jun.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Exclusive Interview with Lost Vape: Unveils New Products at Dubai Expo, Including the Large-Screen Ursa Series
Exclusive Interview with Lost Vape: Unveils New Products at Dubai Expo, Including the Large-Screen Ursa Series
Lost Vape's booth manager, Merry, explained how the company is addressing global regulatory tightening and increasing market competition by launching new products that align with the industry's "big-screen" trend, while leveraging its in-house manufacturing to ensure quality control and R&D.
Jun.24 by 2FIRSTS.ai