Jumat 14 Sep 2018 13:29 WIB

Indonesia faces numerous tobacco control challenges

Indonesia is the third-largest cigarette consumer after China and Russia.

Red: Reiny Dwinanda
Tobacco trap is a real threat to children, teenagers, and nation. (Illustration)
Tobacco trap is a real threat to children, teenagers, and nation. (Illustration)

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, NUSA DUA -- Indonesia faced numerous challenges in tobacco control to protect children from its negative effects. Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Minister Yohana Susana Yembise stated during the 12th Asia Pacific Conference on Tobacco or Health (12th APACT) in Nusa Dua, Bali, on Thursday.

"It is disappointing, as many Indonesian children smoke. We have to do something," Yembise remarked.

Indonesia is the third-largest cigarette consumer after China and Russia. Based on the cigarette industry's internal documents, the minister noted that the industry had targeted teenagers to become beginner smokers.

Young people, who smoke, are contributors to the tobacco industry's revenue. By targeting children to become beginner smokers, the tobacco industry has violated children's rights, she affirmed.