"Regulation on MBDK's excise have reached the final stage. We only need to socialize it and implement it," Deputy Minister of Health, Dante Saksono Harbuwono, confirmed when met on Monday.
According to Harbuwono, information is currently being disseminated about the regulation and coordinated with relevant stakeholders, including with the Ministry of Finance, regarding the amount of excise that will be applied.
"We will execute this as soon as possible. There are no major obstacles. It will be ratified immediately when it is signed because we have carried out the academic study," Harbuwono stated.
Regarding the types of beverages subject to excise duty, he explained that this would vary according to the category, processing method, and sugar content.
"Is not only related to the sugar content but also how high the glycemic index is, the processing, and the different type of food and drink. We will determine later," he explained.
Harbuwono stated that his side had decided to put an excise on MBDK, as this type of drink has become a risk factor for several non-communicable diseases that occur in society.
"Based on data from the Basic Health Research in the previous 10 years, the diabetes rate has doubled from 10 percent," he pointed out.
Meanwhile, based on data from the Health Ministry, as many as 28.7 percent of Indonesian people have a pattern of consuming sugar, salt, and fat exceeding the limit.
This figure is followed by 95.5 percent of Indonesian people consuming less fruits and vegetables and 35.5 percent of people engaging in less physical activity.
"If the food is not evaluated properly, one of which is by implementing higher excise taxes, then Indonesian people will face problems in the future, such as higher death rate," Harbuwono remarked.
Related news: Government proposes excise tax on sugary drinks
Related news: Preserve traditional herbal medicine: Jamu industry entrepreneur
Translator: Sean Muhamad, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2024
