Smoking continues to be a major global health problem, causing over eight million premature deaths annually, including 1.3 million from secondhand smoke, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). New analysis reveals that Indonesia, China, and South Korea have some of the highest smoking rates globally, particularly driven by an overwhelming prevalence among men.
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Vape businesses and consumer associations in Indonesia are raising strong objections to a draft regional regulation (Raperda) by the Jakarta Provincial Government that proposes to treat electronic cigarettes (vapes) on par with combustible tobacco cigarettes within its Smoke-Free Area (KTR) policy. The Indonesian Vape Consumer Association (Akvindo) argues that equating these distinct products is a misguided policy that ignores scientific evidence on harm reduction and could unfairly restrict adult consumers’ access to less harmful alternatives.
Read moreIndonesia is grappling with a severe public health crisis as the number of active smokers reaches 70 million, with an alarming 7.4% of teenagers aged 10-18 now using tobacco. The Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) has warned that without decisive action, overall smoking prevalence could hit 37.5% by 2025. This concerning trend is exacerbated by a tenfold increase in e-cigarette (vape) use by 2023 and a dramatic surge in child smokers, some initiating the habit as young as four years old.
Read moreThe Provincial Government of DKI Jakarta, in collaboration with the regional legislature (DPRD), is finalizing a comprehensive Draft Regional Regulation (Raperda) on Smoke-Free Areas (Kawasan Tanpa Rokok – KTR). This new legislation aims to significantly strengthen public health protections by strictly regulating locations where smoking is prohibited and introducing substantial administrative sanctions for violations. Crucially, the DPRD, with support from the Governor, is pushing for these regulations to treat vaping (e-cigarette use) on par with conventional smoking, subjecting it to the same restrictions and penalties.
Read moreA coalition of 13 Indonesian civil society organizations, including the Center for Indonesia’s Strategic Development Initiatives (CISDI) and the Indonesian Youth Council for Tactical Changes (IYCTC), has issued an open letter urging social media influencers to cease promoting vape products to children and adolescents. Mouhamad Bigwanto, Chairman of the Indonesian Health Policy Space (RUKKI), stated that young people are daily exposed to influencer content that overtly promotes these addictive products, often portraying e-cigarettes as a cool and safe lifestyle choice.
Read moreThe Provincial Government of DKI Jakarta has officially proposed a strengthening of its Smoke-Free Zones (KTR) through a Draft Regional Regulation (Raperda). Presented to the Jakarta DPRD (Regional People’s Representative Council) by Governor Pramono Anung on May 27, 2025, the bill aims to expand smoke-free areas and introduce significantly tougher sanctions for violations, including hefty fines for tobacco and vape advertising within these zones.
Read moreDKI DPRD Special Committee Proposes Including E-cigarettes Alongside Tobacco
The Jakarta Provincial Government and the Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD DKI Jakarta) are planning to update the city’s regulations on Smoke-Free Areas (KTR) this year, with a key proposal to explicitly include electronic cigarettes (vapes) alongside traditional tobacco cigarettes.
Read moreHealth Ministry Highlights PP No. 28/2024 for Ad Bans Near Schools, on Social Media
The Indonesian Ministry of Health is emphasizing the critical role of Government Regulation (PP) No. 28 of 2024 in controlling tobacco and electronic cigarette products, particularly by restricting their promotion across various media, including social platforms and podcasts. Dr. Siti Nadia Tarmizi, Director of Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases, highlighted the new law’s importance.
Read moreExperts at ISSA 2025 call for Indonesia to differentiate tax & regulation for vapes/nicotine pouches from traditional cigarettes.
International experts are urging the Indonesian government to refine its regulatory and tax policies for alternative nicotine products like vapes and nicotine pouches, advocating for a risk-proportionate approach that differentiates them from more harmful conventional cigarettes. While praising Indonesia for allowing these products, unlike some neighboring countries, concerns were raised about current tax equivalency with traditional tobacco.
Read moreYouth Smoking Reduction Goals Drive New Measures Including Plain Packaging
The Indonesian government aims to finalize maximum nicotine and tar level standards for cigarettes by June 2025, with implementation slated for June 2026. This initiative, coordinated by the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture, is part of a broader strategy under the National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) 2025-2029 to significantly reduce smoking prevalence among young people aged 10-21.
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