Jakarta (VNA) - The Indonesian Ministry of Health revealed on December 17 that other countries' efforts to increase cigarette excise can reduce consumption by 10-15%, with increasing the Retail Selling Price (HJE) of cigarettes and e-cigarettes deterring young smokers from purchasing them.
The ministry stressed the need to make more efforts to prevent smoking in children and teenagers, as it is one of the risk factors for non-communicable diseases, and it is very difficult to stop.
Multi-sector efforts are still necessary, as fiscal or non-fiscal policies alone are insufficient, it noted, adding that one of the efforts to prevent children from smoking can be carried out by regulating health messages on packaging.
It is also necessary to establish smoke-free areas in schools and playgrounds and prohibit the sales of individual cigarette sticks./.
Indonesia urged to raise tobacco taxes
An official from Indonesia's Ministry of Health has recommended higher cigarette taxes to deter consumption, as cigarette prices in Indonesia are lower and more accessible compared to other countries in the region.
