"I think this thing about cigarettes is a derivative of the law, alright. Law No. 36 of 2009 on Health has derivatives, one of which is a derivative that prohibits sales. It is a law on health, so it is related to health issues," he explained in Semarang, Central Java, on Tuesday.
The government’s ban on the sale of individual cigarettes will come into effect in 2023, as stipulated in Presidential Decree Number 25 of 2022 on the draft for 2023 government regulations, which includes plans to revise Government Regulation Number 109 of 2012 on the limitation of tobacco products, as addictive substances, for health.
The ban on the sale of individual cigarettes is one of the seven main items listed in the draft.
"According to what I've heard, the (single cigarettes), lots of them are bought by kids. So this is a health problem, so this is to prevent it," said the Vice President.
Since it is a mandate, the ban on the sale of individual cigarettes must be implemented.
"As for supervision, of course. Because this has become a (mandate) of the law and it is an effort to maintain public health, we will prepare (for supervision). Of course, the kind of supervision that will continue to be carried out because it has become an order from the law, so we must do," he added.
Other things regulated by the provision are electronic cigarettes as well as an adjustment in the size of the warning label and images on tobacco product packaging.
It also covers the enforcement of and regulations for smoking-free areas as well as provisions for the prohibition and supervision of tobacco product advertisements.
The decree prohibits advertising, promotion, and sponsorship of tobacco products in information technology media.
The new regulations on cigarettes and tobacco products were initiated by the Health Ministry.
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Translator: Desca L N, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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