Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) emphasized that the plan to ban the sales of single cigarette sticks that will be included in government regulation in 2023 is being pursued to protect the health of Indonesian people.
"This aims to protect the health of our people," he stated after visiting the Subang Pujasera Market during a series of his activities in Subang District, West Java, Tuesday.
The president also remarked that in other countries, the sale of cigarettes had been strictly enforced.
"In some countries, the sales of cigarettes have been banned. We are still selling cigarettes but not in sticks," he remarked.
The plan to ban the sale of single cigarette sticks is one of the points in Government Regulation Draft (PP) on Amendments to Government Regulation Number 109 of 2012 concerning the Protection of Substances Containing Addictive Substances in Tobacco Products for Health.
Related news: President reviews infrastructure development at Jakarta main stations
Planning for the regulation is contained in Presidential Decree Number 25 of 2022 concerning the 2023 Government Regulation Formulation Program that was stipulated on December 23.
In the Draft PP on Amendments to PP 109/2012, there are seven main content materials, specifically the increase in the percentage area of images and writing of health warnings on tobacco product packaging.
The second entails provisions of electronic cigarettes, while the third is the prohibition of advertising, promotion, and sponsorship of tobacco products in information technology media.
Related news: President Jokowi officiates revitalized Manggarai Railway Station
The fourth content material is prohibition on the sale of single cigarette sticks, while fifth is supervision of the advertising, promotion, and sponsorship of tobacco products in indoor and outdoor media, and information technology media.
The sixth refers to enforcement and prosecution, while the seventh is information technology media and the establishment of Non-Smoking Areas (KTR).
The PP draft is in line with the policy of increasing tobacco product excise (CHT) or cigarette excise to around 10 percent, starting from January 1, 2023.
Related news: Sadawarna Dam to reduce flooding risk in Cipunagara River: Ministry
Related news: President seeks additional flight slots to support holiday : Minister
