ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA — Indonesia is facing what senior government officials describe as a national public health emergency, as the tobacco industry continues to exert a profound influence on society, policy, and younger generations.
Speaking at the 8th Asia Pacific Cities Alliance for Health and Development (APCAT) Summit in Jakarta on Monday, January 26, 2026, Indonesia’s Vice Minister of Home Affairs, Bima Arya Sugiarto, warned that the tobacco industry has become a real and systemic threat to public health, undermining the country’s long-term social and economic development.
According to the latest data presented at the summit, Indonesia ranks fifth globally in smoking prevalence, with 38.2% of its population identified as smokers in 2026—one of the highest rates in the world.
“The deadly impact of tobacco is no longer a matter of opinion. It is an undeniable scientific fact,” Bima Arya said.
Subtle Influence, Serious Consequences
Bima Arya emphasized that the tobacco industry’s tactics have evolved beyond overt advertising.
He warned that subliminal messaging, lifestyle branding, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs are increasingly used to normalize smoking and weaken regulatory resistance at the local level.
He urged regional leaders to remain firm in implementing tobacco control policies and not to compromise public health commitments in exchange for corporate partnerships.
“Local governments must stand on the front line. Public policy should never be dictated by industry interests that harm society,” he stressed.
To ensure the sustainability of tobacco control efforts across Asia-Pacific cities, Bima Arya outlined three strategic pillars for APCAT: innovation in research and public campaigns, co-creation through equal partnerships among governments, corporations, and communities, and leadership regeneration to maintain momentum across generations.
“APCAT must serve as a driving force for cross-border collaboration to protect communities from the harmful impact of the tobacco industry,” he concluded.
Jakarta Sets the Tone for Urban Tobacco Control
The message from the central government was reinforced by Jakarta Deputy Governor Rano Karno, who welcomed delegates from across the Asia-Pacific region at the summit held in South Jakarta.
Rano Karno underlined that tobacco control has become a strategic priority in Jakarta’s transformation into a global city.
“Urban progress should not be measured solely by economic growth and infrastructure, but by how effectively a city safeguards the health and quality of life of its people,” he said.
After more than 15 years of deliberation, Jakarta’s Provincial Parliament has approved a Draft Regional Regulation on Smoke-Free Areas, aligning the capital with international best practices.
The regulation bans smoking and the use of e-cigarettes in public spaces and workplaces, restricts tobacco sales at specific outlets, and prohibits tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship.
Enforcement, Digital Monitoring, and Public Participation
To ensure effective implementation, Jakarta has adopted a multi-agency enforcement system, supported by municipal police and a digital reporting mechanism through the JAKI (Jakarta Kini) application. Residents can report violations directly, strengthening civic participation in public health governance.
Throughout 2024, the city received hundreds of reports each month, reflecting growing public awareness and support for tobacco control measures.
“Smoke-free regulations are not about eliminating economic activity. They are about regulating shared spaces fairly, with public health as the top priority,” Rano Karno explained.
Addressing E-Cigarettes and Supporting Smokers
Beyond regulation, Jakarta is expanding Smoking Cessation Services at public health facilities to support smokers seeking to quit. Authorities are also tightening oversight of e-cigarettes and alternative tobacco products, which have gained popularity among young people under the false perception of being safer.
“The narrative that e-cigarettes are harmless must be corrected. Protecting minors is non-negotiable,” Rano Karno said.
A Regional Call to Action
Jakarta reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with other cities through APCAT, sharing best practices and strengthening local leadership in tobacco control.
“A healthy population is the foundation of sustainable urban economic growth,” Rano Karno concluded.
“Together, we must build cities that are healthier, more productive, and free from tobacco smoke—for the future generation.” (AT Network)
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