TheJakartaPost
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Letter: On MUI's smoking edict
I am writing in reference to the article "Smoking still popular despite Ulema edict" in the Sunday edition of The Jakarta Post
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I am writing in reference to the article "Smoking still popular despite Ulema edict" in the Sunday edition of The Jakarta Post. The report claimed that Philip Morris International (PMI) was not available for comment, which is inaccurate. The response of PMI, which was provided by the requested deadline, but not printed, clearly communicated that PMI and Sampoerna have been consistent in supporting efforts to prevent children from smoking.
In addition, the response outlined that the Marlboro Rocks in Orchestra concert referred to in the article, was an event with strict age verification procedures to limit entry to people aged 18 years or above.
More broadly, we agree that issues surrounding tobacco, such as youth smoking and public smoking, are best addressed through government legislation or regulation. For this reason we support comprehensive regulation of tobacco in Indonesia, including regulations governing restrictions on the sale and use of tobacco products by children and restrictions on tobacco marketing.
We firmly believe that the best way to accomplish public health objectives while maintaining a viable legitimate tobacco industry, and avoiding the unintended consequences of illegitimate trade, is for all interested parties, including tobacco control advocates and tobacco companies, to work together.
Yos A. Ginting
Director, Corporate Affairs
PT HM SAMPOERNA Tbk.
