New regulations in Jakarta, Indonesia, will improve public health, experts say, calling on all parties to work together to combat misinformation and emphasizing that smoke-free zone policies help strike a balance between health and economic development.
Key points:
- Jakarta, Indonesia, discusses smoke-free zone legislation
- Public health experts refute misleading statements
- New regulations expected to improve public health
- All sectors call for joint efforts to combat misinformation
According to a report by Jurnal Nusantara on August 20, during the discussion of the draft local regulation on smoke-free zones (Ranperda KTR) in Jakarta, Indonesia, some misleading statements emerged. Some individuals claim that such policies will harm small and medium-sized businesses such as restaurants, street vendors, and nightclubs. In response, Tubagus Haryo Karbyanto, a public health advocate involved in the Jakarta Ranperda KTR legislative process, stated that such accusations lack evidence.
Tubagus Haryo pointed out that experiences from major cities worldwide indicate that the implementation of smoke-free zone policies does not harm the grassroots economy. On the contrary, a healthy and smoke-free environment makes the public more willing to shop, dine, or enjoy entertainment. He emphasized, “Customers at food stalls come to eat, not to smoke. Healthy and affordable food is what they seek.”
The Ranperda KTR regulation, currently under review by the Jakarta Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD), not only strengthens the implementation of Government Regulation No. 28 of 2024 but also adopts global best practices. Some key provisions of the regulation include prohibiting the sale of tobacco and e-cigarette products within 200 meters of educational institutions and children’s playgrounds, a complete ban on tobacco product advertising, promotion, and sponsorship, and a prohibition on the sale of individual cigarettes. These measures aim to reduce the opportunities for children and adolescents to purchase cheap cigarettes.
Tubagus Haryo believes that this regulation not only protects public health but also alleviates the high medical expenses caused by tobacco consumption. He pointed out that over 290,000 people die annually in Indonesia due to smoking-related diseases. If Jakarta implements KTR, it will effectively reduce social and health costs while enhancing economic competitiveness.
Additionally, he pointed out that arguments opposing the KTR under the guise of economic reasons are merely a rehash of the tobacco industry’s old rhetoric. Tubagus Haryo urged the DPRD, local governments, business associations, scholars, healthcare professionals, media, and civil society to unite and resist such misinformation.
Finally, Tubagus Haryo recommended that the DPRD’s special committee and draft committee should not weaken the standards set by the central government. The Jakarta Provincial Government is expected to establish an inter-agency mechanism for implementation and supervision. He also urged business associations, such as the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association, the Restaurant Community, and the Night Entertainment Association, to view this regulation as a long-term investment in creating a healthy and sustainable business environment. He concluded that smoke-free zones are not only health regulations but also sustainable economic policies. Reducing tobacco consumption will improve public health, increase productivity, and boost purchasing power, meaning that customers for small and medium-sized enterprises will increase rather than decrease.
