INDONESIA’S CONCERNING SMOKING LIVELIHOOD
Many would agree that Indonesia and its citizens couldn’t be separated from smoking and tobacco. Tobacco branches a deep root in Indonesia throughout history, and it is unanimous to many that tobacco plays a role as one of Indonesia’s most influential cultures. But, the negatives tobacco brings to the health of Indonesians and Indonesia’s health status outweigh the good. It is reported that Indonesia has one of the highest smoking rates in the world, with more than 80 million smokers (in 2018, Indonesia was second in the world, and China was number one). According to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS), Indonesia’s adult smoking rate rose from 27.1% in 2008 to 34.8% in 2018. What’s concerning about this trend is the significant economic and social repercussions, not to forget the severe health risk to the Indonesian populace.
The tobacco sector substantially contributes to Indonesia’s economy, with nearly $14 billion in revenue in 2019. However, the estimated $8 billion annual expense of treating tobacco-related diseases is also substantial. Additionally, smoking-related ailments result in higher absenteeism and lower productivity, impacting the nation’s economic growth.
The Indonesian government has taken several actions to combat the smoking pandemic there. The tax on cigarettes is one of these measures. The director of the University of Indonesia’s Center for Health Economics and Policy Studies estimates that a 10% rise in cigarette taxes might lead to a 4% drop in the country’s smoking population. The Indonesian government made the most recent increase in the excise tax on cigarettes in 2021. Taxes are being raised to decrease cigarette consumption and boost government revenue.
However, some detractors contend that raising cigarette taxes burdens low-income people who are more inclined to smoke while solely benefiting the government. The World Health Organization estimates that the poorest 20% of Indonesian households spend up to 15% of their income on cigarettes. The Indonesian government has implemented several social programs to assist low-income people in quitting smoking to address this issue. To help smokers who want to stop, the government has established the “Quitline” program, which offers free counseling and medication.
Additionally, the government has established smoke-free regulations in public areas, including railway stations, airports, and government structures. Although many public spaces still permit smoking, these policies are not always followed, making it challenging for non-smokers to protect themselves against secondhand smoke exposure.
Numerous steps might be implemented to address the smoking pandemic in Indonesia. First, the government can raise the excise tax on cigarettes even more, but it should also consider putting policies that lighten the load on low-income people. One such approach may be to provide a percentage of tax funds to initiatives that assist low-income people in quitting smoking.
Second, the government needs to rigidly enact smoke-free laws in public areas. This law can only be implemented by enforcing stiffer penalties against organizations and people disregarding these rules. The public should also be made aware of the risks associated with exposure to secondhand smoke and the significance of maintaining smoke-free settings in the government.
Thirdly, the government should fund public health initiatives to lower the nation’s smoking rates. Such ads should target various demographics, including school-age and low-income children. The campaigns should be created to increase public knowledge of the risks associated with smoking and the advantages of quitting.
The smoking epidemic in Indonesia is a severe problem for the country’s economy, society, and health. The government has taken some actions to address the problem, including raising tobacco pricing, enacting smoke-free laws in public areas, and introducing social programs to assist low-income people who want to quit smoking. More work must be done to lower smoking rates across the nation. To do this, the government should consider establishing policies that lessen the burden on low-income people, rigidly enforce smoke-free laws in public places, and fund national public health initiatives to combat smoking.
REFERENCES:
https://www.voaindonesia.com/a/jumlah-perokok-di-indonesia-nomor-3-di-dunia/6597540.html