The policy is designed to reduce tobacco consumption, particularly among the youth, by limiting accessibility and distribution. The regulation includes enforcement measures and penalties for noncompliance, contributing to broader public health goals.

But a critical question remains: What measures will it take to overcome Indonesia’s addiction to smoking?

Smoking is a dire global health issue. The World Health Organization reports that tobacco kills up to half of its users, resulting in more than 8 million deaths annually, which include 1.3 million nonsmokers who die due to second-hand exposure.

This global crisis is also mirrored in Indonesia, where the 2023 Indonesian Health Survey (SKI) by the Health Ministry revealed approximately 70 million Indonesians are smokers, with nearly 7.4 percent of them being children and teenagers aged 10-18.

The survey also found that despite 63.4 percent of Indonesian smokers expressing a desire to quit, many simply find it too challenging to overcome their nicotine addiction. This stark reality underscores the urgent need for robust public health interventions and support systems to aid smokers in quitting and to prevent youth from starting.

The quest to quit smoking is one fraught with social pressures and stigma, despite the economic toll it takes on an individual and the local economy.