REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA - Government plans to finalize ratification of Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) that was initiated by UN's World Health Organization (WHO). Indonesia now is the only country in Southeast Asia that has not signed the ratification.

Coordinating Ministry for People's Welfare with Ministry of Health, Ministry of Women Empowerment and Child Protection, Ministry of Trade and Ministry of Industry are involved in this ratification. Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare, Agung Laksono said that 177 countries had ratified the FCTC, except Indonesia.

FCTC's main goal is to protect young generation from health problems, social, environmental problems, also economic as a result of tobacco consumption.

"FCTC will respond globalization of epidemic disease due to tobacco products," Laksono said recently.