"It is disappointing, as many Indonesian children smoke. We have to do something," Yembise remarked during the 12th Asia Pacific Conference on Tobacco or Health (12th APACT) in Nusa Dua, Bali, on Thursday.
Based on the cigarette industry`s internal documents, the minister noted that the industry had targeted teenagers to become beginner smokers.
Young people, who smoke, are contributors to the tobacco industry`s revenue.
By targeting children to become beginner smokers, the tobacco industry has violated children`s rights, she affirmed.
"Beginner smokers in Indonesia are getting younger, and the number is increasing," the minister remarked.
Indonesia is the third-largest cigarette consumer after China and Russia.
The minister delivered her keynote address at the opening of the 12th APACT. The 1st APACT was held in Taipei, Taiwan, in 1989. The last meeting was held in Beijing, China, in 2016.
The 12th APACT was held in Nusa Dua, Bali, and chaired by Arifin Panigoro.
Reporting by Dewanto Samodro
Editing by Azis Kurmala
Reporter: Dewanto Samodro
Editor: Bustanuddin
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