Indonesia’s Health Ministry Urged to Suspend Vape and Cigarette Branding Regulation
The Indonesian Ministry of Health has been asked to suspend discussions on the 2024 draft regulation on brand safety for cigarettes and vapes (RPMK). The proposed regulation—criticized for lacking clear brand packaging guidelines—has drawn strong opposition from the tobacco industry, labor unions, and the public, who fear it could restrict the market and harm the livelihoods of tobacco farmers and industry workers.
Background and Public Opposition
According to a September 18 report by Metrotv News. The Ministry of Health was urged to halt discussions on the RPMK 2024 regulation, which has been criticized for restricting market space for cigarette and vape brands. Opponents argue that the measure could negatively affect Indonesia’s tobacco farming sector and supply chain.
The issue was raised on September 17 at a dialogue hosted by Pesantren and the Center for Community Development (P3M) at the Ashley Hotel in Jakarta.
Broad Representation at the Dialogue Event
The event gathered 50 representatives from various sectors, including government departments, farmers’ associations, labor unions, retailers, corporations, tobacco associations, civil society groups, academics, religious leaders, and media outlets.
P3M Director Sarmidi Husna explained that public concern over the draft stemmed from its requirement for unbranded, plain packaging, which many see as a restriction on the industry. He also emphasized the lack of public participation in developing and discussing the proposal.
Industry and Labor Groups Voice Concerns
Husna further stated that some provisions in the draft could harm tobacco farmers, SMEs, and associations, generating strong opposition from multiple sectors.
Benget Saragih, from the Ministry of Health’s Working Group on Disease Control, clarified that RPMK 2024 is not intended to make everyone quit smoking, but rather to prevent children from starting.
In response, Miftah Faqih, President of the National Islamic Clerics Union (PBNU), stressed that lawmaking must be balanced and inclusive, representing all stakeholders to ensure fairness and effectiveness.
Nugraha Prasetya Yogi, a representative from the Ministry of Industry, criticized the lack of consultation with industry stakeholders, arguing that the exclusion of his ministry from earlier regulatory discussions has been detrimental to trade and industry.
Impact on the Tobacco Industry and Farmers
Sudarto, representing the SPRTMM union, noted that since the Health Act of 2003 and Government Regulation No. 28 of 2004 came into force, regulations on tobacco have tightened progressively, significantly affecting the tobacco commodities sector.
He added that industrial and tax policies have discouraged legal cigarette consumption. Which in turn has increased the illicit cigarette trade.
Meanwhile, Gunawan, from the Indonesian Human Rights Commission on Social Justice (IHCS), called for the harmonization of tobacco-related laws to protect the interests of farmers.
Lawmakers and Associations Call for Government Action
Muhammad Misbakhun, a member of the Indonesian Parliament, warned that foreign corporate influence is undermining local economies and tobacco farmers, urging the government to take the lead in resolving the issue.
Similarly, Budiman, representing the Indonesian Tobacco Association, argued that limiting cigarette sales would harm production, employment, and raw material purchases.
Kusnasi Mudi, Secretary General of the National Tobacco Growers Association (APTI), also urged the government to reconsider the proposed regulation and engage the entire supply chain to prevent serious long-term consequences for Indonesia’s tobacco industry.
