T

wo associations of doctors have joined the growing number of medical practitioners who have rejected a controversial tobacco bill.

The Indonesian Internists Association (PAPDI) and the Indonesian Cardio Cerebrovascular Association (IKKI) have joined the cause by signing a pledge after 16 groups of doctors and medical practitioners expressed opposition to the bill earlier this week.

The pledge will be sent to President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo as a recommendation for him to make the right decision on the bill, which has been initiated by the House of Representatives.

“We really support President Jokowi’s commitment to keeping our people healthy. That’s why we urge the President to stop the deliberation of the bill in order to prevent an increase in tobacco production and consumption,” PAPDI chairman Idrus Alwi said.

The tobacco bill, which was rejected by the Health Ministry last year, has been criticized for neglecting health considerations. The bill returned to the National Legislation Program (Prolegnas) this year and is awaiting approval from Jokowi.

If the bill is passed into law, the health community is worried that it will lead to an increase in tobacco consumption that will eventually lead to ballooning health costs. The cost of treating tobacco-related diseases is estimated to already amount to Rp 11 trillion (US$826 million) per year, 0.29 percent of the country’s gross domestic product.