Science-based regulations will complement the strategy for reducing the number of existing smokers, BPKN Research and Development Commission member Arief Safari said on Wednesday.
Some strategies that have been applied include the designation of non-smoking areas, placement of warning images about the dangers of smoking, and the ban on cigarette advertising, he said.
"Therefore, a different approach is necessary for solving the problem by prioritizing alternative products such as heated tobacco products, e-cigarettes, and so on," Safari added.
If the research results prove alternative cigarettes are effective in reducing the risk for smokers, the government can draft regulations referring to the findings, he said.
In the formulation of regulations, the government must involve all stakeholders or form a task force at the ministry level that is cross-sectoral, he suggested.
"The team will work until the regulation is proper and passed," he added.
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Moreover, he said he hoped that the public can obtain clear information regarding the use of alternative tobacco products that are different from conventional cigarettes.
"The use of these alternative products must be strengthened by regulations that are in accordance with scientific studies as the foundation. The risk profile must be tested through a study," he added.
According to Safari, the regulations must cover consumer rights and abuse prevention.
"With scientific-based regulations, the prevalence of smoking in Indonesia can be minimized. (People) should recognize that (alternative cigarettes) are not completely risk-free but have a lower risk of up to 95 percent than (conventional) cigarettes," he said.
A public policy observer from Gadjah Mada University, Satria Aji Imawan, also voiced support for special regulations for alternative tobacco products.
"Regulations must be formulated based on real data, such as the behavior of smokers, studies on risk reduction, and others. In the process, the government needs to consider the feedback of all parties, including consumers," Imawan explained.
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Translator: Alviansyah P, Kenzu T
Editor: Suharto
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