The Indonesian Health Ministry’s draft regulations on the safety management of cigarettes and vapes have been criticised for failing to adequately consult various stakeholders, especially in the absence of branded packaging provisions. Congressional committees and manufacturers’ associations have expressed concern.
Unbranded Packaging Clause Draws Controversy From All Sides
According to Kontan. Co.Id on September 28, the Indonesian Ministry of Health’s “Ministerial Bill on the Safety Management of Tobacco Products and Vapes” (RPMK) has constantly drawn criticism.
This policy is a follow-up to Act No. 17 of 2023 and Government Regulation No. 28 of 2024, but the development process did not fully involve all relevant departments and stakeholders.
Parliamentary members question the lack of adequate stakeholder participation
Saleh Partaonan Daulay, member of the Ninth Committee of the Indonesian Parliament, said that the Parliament of course attaches importance to health issues, but is not willing to ignore business and industrial interests, as schools are also affected, and multiple ministries including the Trade Ministry. The Industry Ministry and the Education Ministry are responsible for these areas. He questioned whether all stakeholders were involved in the formulation of the RPMK. He stressed that if they do not participate, they will feel left out and may protest.
Benny Wachjudi, president of the Indonesian White Tobacco Manufacturers Association (Gaprindo), said he was also saddened by the news. He pointed out that as stakeholders in the field of industrial production, several relevant departments were not invited to participate in the development of government regulations, even in the final revision stage before the president’s signature. He added that the discussion should not only be based on a unilateral view of health or industry but also find a middle way that can meet various needs.
Siti Nadia Tarmizi, director general of Public Relations Services at the Ministry of Health (Siti Nadia Tarmizi), said they want to control cigarettes and other addictive substances but do not ban everyone from smoking because smoking is an individual right.
The packaging of tobacco products must be Pantone 448 C color
One of the controversial provisions in the RPMK is the provision on packaging standardization. According to Article 5 of the Act, the packaging of tobacco products must be packed together. 448 C color, and the brand, variety, and manufacturer’s logo should be written in Indonesian.
Angga Handian Putra, a senior trade negotiator, said the Health Ministry had not formally invited the Trade Ministry to participate in the formulation of the uniform packaging policy. Instead of communicating directly, they learned about the proposal through the Health Ministry’s website.
The trade Ministry also cautioned that a uniform packaging policy could hinder trade, in addition to brand trademark challenges. Unga pointed out that scientific data should be provided to show that the policy can indeed improve public health, in line with the World Trade Organization. (WTO) regulations. He called on the Ministry of Health to provide relevant scientific evidence and comply with current WTO regulations.
