"Cigarettes must be sold expensive and should not be sold cheaply," Chair of TCSC IAKMI, Sumarjati Arjoso, remarked here on Friday.
Speaking after the seminar themed "Protect Children with Disabilities from the Dangers of Cigarettes," Arjoso drew attention to the low pricing structure of cigarettes and the continued prevalence of per-stick sales, which must be stemmed.
"This is very concerning, as cigarettes are too cheap. Children can buy them with their pocket money, especially if sold per stick. This certainly affects children very much as they start to smoke," she pointed out.
She noted that teenagers are indeed an easy target for cigarette producers in Indonesia, especially those coming with attractive packaging and the addition of flavors.
She cautioned that young Indonesians would find it difficult to concentrate in schools if this issue is left unhandled.
"Smoking also interferes with quality because children who smoke find it hard to concentrate on their studies," she pointed out.
The Finance Ministry's Directorate General of Customs and Excise had earlier ensured that the Retail Selling Price of conventional cigarettes and e-cigarettes would increase starting in 2025.
This step is the government's strategy for managing the cigarette excise policy without increasing the Tobacco Product Excise (CHT) rate.
The seminar was held to protect children with disabilities from exposure to cigarette smoke, which is detrimental to their health.
Children exposed to cigarette smoke in homes, schools, or public places have a higher risk of developing serious health problems, such as respiratory disorders and infections, and hindered brain development.
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Translator: Chairul R, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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