The statement was made during his virtual remarks at the 8th Asia-Pacific Cities Alliance for Health and Development (APCAT) Summit here on Monday.
“To reduce both the supply and demand of tobacco, a major strategy is needed, implemented through partnerships. First, we plan to revise the national law to expand graphic health warnings, restrict advertising, ban the sale of loose cigarettes, and regulate e-cigarettes,” Sadikin said.
He noted that over 80 percent of active smokers live in low- and middle-income countries, including Indonesia.
In the country, tobacco is the third leading risk factor for death. Some 70 million Indonesian adults smoke, and 9.1 percent of children have tried smoking, he pointed out.
“These numbers are still far from the National Medium-Term Development Plan target of 8 percent,” he added.
The minister also affirmed that the government will expand smoke-free areas, such as designated smoke-free zones, and provide smoking cessation services at community health centers (puskesmas).
“I would like to thank all mayors in Indonesia who have enacted smoke-free regulations, and encourage other regions to follow suit,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Health Ministry's Director General of Disease Control Murti Utami, present at the APCAT summit, highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration to prevent non-communicable diseases, given the high prevalence of conditions such as hypertension.
She stressed the role of communities and families in tobacco prevention, noting that networks like family empowerment movement (PKK) team can more effectively educate about the dangers of smoking and reduce smoking prevalence.
The APCAT Summit brought together mayors, health leaders, and policymakers from across the Asia-Pacific to address urgent tobacco consumption issues, highlighting Indonesia’s regional role in promoting healthier environments through effective tobacco control measures.
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Translator: Lintang, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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