"This target focuses on the handling of four factors potentially responsible for NCDs, namely unhealthy diets, the lack of physical activity, alcohol consumption, and smoking," she informed.
Tarmizi outlined that the proportion of smokers in the 10–18 age group in Indonesia declined from 9.1 percent in 2018 to 7.4 percent last year.
In contrast, she highlighted, the proportion of adult smokers swelled from 28.9 percent to 29.7 percent during the same period.
The official said that the government has devised strategic plans to reduce the number of smokers, including the designation of smoke-free zones in 514 districts and cities across Indonesia this year.
She noted that this year, the central government has also set the target of directing at least 350 district and municipal governments to provide services that help people quit smoking.
Furthermore, Tarmizi said that the government is intensifying efforts to build people's awareness about the adverse effects of smoking, detect smokers in schools, and help the remaining 35 districts and cities that have not established smoke-free zones.
The Health Ministry is also offering counseling services to help those who wish to stop smoking, she added.
"In addition, we are also coordinating with the Finance Ministry and other stakeholders in setting excise and tax rates (for cigarettes)," she said.
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Translator: Farhan Ardha, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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