Discussion on Indonesia's No-Brand Tobacco Packaging Policy Underway

Sep.27.2024
Discussion on Indonesia's No-Brand Tobacco Packaging Policy Underway
Indonesian Health Ministry discusses policy on plain cigarette packaging, causing industry and economic concerns.

According to a report by Viva on September 26, Indonesian Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin recently revealed that the Ministry of Health is currently engaging in detailed discussions with relevant companies regarding the policy on plain packaging of tobacco products outlined in Government Regulation No. 28 of 2024 (PP 28/2024).


Budi stated that the Ministry of Health is currently collaborating with its commercial partners to study the specific details of the policy. They have also invited multiple business associations to participate in discussions and jointly explore the implementation of the regulation.


The minister stated during a press conference on September 26th that,


Yes, we are researching this policy and discussing it with our business partners.


Earlier, several industry representatives, farmers, and retailers voiced strong protest against the standardized tobacco packaging or plain packaging policy proposed in the draft Regulation of the Ministry of Health (RPMK).


They believe that this regulation will pose a threat to the survival of businesses and the entire society, and may even have a significant negative impact on the national economy, leading to a loss of a large number of jobs.


The Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo) is particularly concerned about this issue, and has urged the government to reconsider the relevant provisions in PP 28/2024 and RPMK. Apindo has expressed that these regulations may lead to instability in certain sectors, such as retail, agriculture, and creative industries that rely on the tobacco industry ecosystem.


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