Read articles from Indonesia

February 24, 2026 by tobaccoreporter.com

Indonesian health groups urge the Ministry of Health to require graphic health warnings and plain packaging for e-cigarettes due to growing youth use and lack of regulation. They warn that colorful packaging and lax oversight raise the risk of addiction and exposure to harmful substances among adolescents, advocating for stricter enforcement and a social media advertising ban. With high teen smoking rates, the groups push for swift regulatory measures to reduce youth consumption and improve oversight.

September 25, 2025 by asianews.network

The Finance Minister of Indonesia announced strict measures against illegal cigarette sales impacting state revenue, targeting smugglers and sellers. Random checks will target travelers, e-commerce platforms, and suppliers. Customs and excise authorities are monitoring tobacco products to prevent underpriced sales. Raids in several regions have seized millions of illegal cigarettes. With excise rates at 57%, efforts aim to address the issue of illegal cigarettes. Minimizing excise losses and deterring the illicit cigarette trade are top priorities for the government.

November 25, 2024 by filtermag.org

Indonesia, known for its high smoking rate, approved vaping as a tobacco alternative in 2018. With a vast population of 280 million, the country faces critical tobacco harm issues and a high smoking rate of 34.5% among adults. Despite calls for a vape ban, the government opted for regulation. Supporters argue for regulation as a balanced approach that generates tax revenue, promotes smoking cessation, and protects human rights. Vape bans in Southeast Asia, including in ASEAN countries, have resulted in growing illicit markets. Emphasizing the importance of regional coordination and tailored regulations to local norms, a shift towards promoting safer alternatives to tobacco is crucial for Indonesia's public health concerns.

September 24, 2024 by tobaccoreporter.com

An Indonesian health official suggests raising cigarette taxes to reduce consumption due to their affordability and availability. Indonesia has a high smoking rate with nearly 38% of its 270 million inhabitants smoking, ranking 13th globally in consumption. Cigarettes cause 8 million deaths annually, with 7 million from active smoking and 1.2 million from passive smoking. This proposal aims to curb health issues related to smoking.

August 20, 2024 by conventuslaw.com

Indonesian law prohibits the use of supplementary materials in producing tobacco products and e-cigarettes unless it has been scientifically proven that the supplementary materials pose no health risk. Under the previous regime, tobacco product producers could comply with this prohibition by referring to a list of allowed supplementary materials provided by the Ministry of Health. Under GR 28/2024, instead of a list of allowed supplementary materials, it is stipulated that the Ministry of Health will set out a list of (...)

August 20, 2024 by conventuslaw.com

Indonesian law prohibits the use of supplementary materials in producing tobacco products and e-cigarettes unless it has been scientifically proven that the supplementary materials pose no health risk. Under the previous regime, tobacco product producers could comply with this prohibition by referring to a list of allowed supplementary materials provided by the Ministry of Health. Under GR 28/2024, instead of a list of allowed supplementary materials, it is stipulated that the Ministry of Health will set out a list of (...)

August 05, 2024 by thejakartapost.com

The government has just ramped up its measures to curb tobacco use with the issuance of a new regulation that places stricter controls on tobacco sales and distribution. According to a World Health Organization (WHO) report published earlier this year, the country ranks among the world’s largest cigarette markets and has a high prevalence of young smokers, with a staggering 35.4 percent of adult tobacco users, or more than 70 million Indonesians.

July 31, 2024 by businesstimes.com.sg

Indonesia increased the minimum age for buying cigarettes from 18 to 21 to reduce smoking rates, with 70 million adult smokers in a country that produces tobacco. The regulation also bans single cigarette sales and advertising, with penalties for violations. Sales near schools and on social media are restricted, effective immediately. A significant percentage of smokers in Indonesia are aged 10 to 18. While some anti-smoking advocates see the regulations as insufficient, others believe stricter enforcement is necessary. The tobacco industry expressed concerns about the impact on their business. Indonesia has been raising tobacco product excise rates annually to deter smoking.

July 31, 2024 by aa.com.tr

Indonesia on Wednesday banned the sale of cigarettes to people under the age of 21, as well as cigarette advertisements on websites, apps, and social media platforms, local media said. The minimum age has been raised from 18 to 21, and the sale of individual tobacco products has been prohibited, except for cigars and electronic cigarettes, the Jakarta Globe reported. The new regulations signed by President Joko Widodo also require tobacco packaging to contain at least 20 cigarettes and limit sliced tobacco packaging to a maximum of 50 grams, as cigarette packs currently vary in content, including 12, 16, and 20 cigarettes, the daily added.

July 31, 2024 by aa.com.tr

Indonesia on Wednesday banned the sale of cigarettes to people under the age of 21, as well as cigarette advertisements on websites, apps, and social media platforms, local media said. The minimum age has been raised from 18 to 21, and the sale of individual tobacco products has been prohibited, except for cigars and electronic cigarettes, the Jakarta Globe reported. The new regulations signed by President Joko Widodo also require tobacco packaging to contain at least 20 cigarettes and limit sliced tobacco packaging to a maximum of 50 grams, as cigarette packs currently vary in content, including 12, 16, and 20 cigarettes, the daily added.