"I consider that something that is research-based can be used as a platform to make the best decision," BRIN's researcher, Bambang Prasetya, remarked.
Prasetya noted that his side is conducting research on alternative tobacco products at an accredited and independent laboratory.
So far, Prasetya stated that his side found that alternative tobacco products have a much lower content of harmful substances than conventional cigarettes.
"The scientific study on alternative tobacco products weighs the benefits and risks, which in this context consists of three pillars of consideration in the risk assurance assessment," he noted.
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The three pillars are bioethics to ensure smooth adoption based on moral and ethical considerations; biosafety risk assessment to ensure scientific-based risk analysis and certification; and conformity assessment in terms of standards and laboratory accreditation.
According to Prasetya, lower harmful content in alternative tobacco products, such as in electronic cigarettes or vapes, can be part of the solution to switch from conventional smoking habits.
"Reducing the harm of tobacco is an innovation. Therefore, we must convey it to the experts, based on data as the result of scientific research. This can be the basis of policy for health, social, and economic aspects. If we work together, we can get many benefits," he remarked.
Seconding Prasetya's statement, Professor of Periodontics at Padjadjaran University's Faculty of Medicine, Amaliya, stated that the use of alternative tobacco products can be one of the strategies to reduce the prevalence of smoking in Indonesia.
However, she stressed that the best option for smokers is to quit smoking altogether.
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Translator: Sean M, Kenzu
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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