Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – Traditional market traders admitted that they were not aware of the government’s plans to issue new regulations regarding tobacco products and e-cigarettes. Traders hope that the government will consider the fate of traders if the regulation is issued.
Because, if it is true that this RPP prohibits retail cigarette sales, it will erode the income of street vendors or kiosks that sell cigarettes.
As is known, the government is currently working on new regulations derived from Law (UU) No. 17/2023 concerning Health in the form of a Draft Government Regulation (RPP) concerning the Implementation of the 2023 Health Law regarding Safeguarding Addictive Substances (RPP Health). Which will regulate the distribution of tobacco products and electronic cigarettes, including a number of terms that are prohibited from being used.
Quoting the presentation of the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) in the Public Hearing RPP Health Law: Control of NCDs, Health of Sight & Hearing, Addictive Substances which was broadcast on the Ministry of Health’s YouTube account last 20 September 2023, this RPP will regulate a number of controls and prohibitions related to distribution, advertising, sponsorship, and production of tobacco products and e-cigarettes.
Regarding the regulation of tobacco products and electronic cigarettes, it is prohibited to sell:
– use a self-serve machine
– to children under 18 years of age and pregnant women
– retail per cigarette, except cigars and electronic cigarettes
– by displaying tobacco products and electronic cigarettes
– use the services of commercial electronic sites and applications and social media.
In terms of the substance of production and import management, this RPP will also prohibit cigarette packaging of less than 20 cigarettes.
“Yes (we haven’t received any socialization regarding the Health RPP),” said Secretary General of the DPP Indonesian Market Traders Association (IKAPPI) Reynaldi Sarijowan to CNBC Indonesia, quoted Friday (17/11/2023).
“Retail cigarettes are sold by our members, street vendors around the market or in other areas. If retail cigarettes are limited, it will also limit the selling space for our member traders,” he added.
He said the government should have realized this. Although, the government reasons to reduce the number of beginner smokers in Indonesia.
“Retail cigarettes are still a source of income for street vendors or clotong shops. If they are limited, it means their income will decrease,” he said.
“30% of the income from street stalls or roadside clontong shops comes from selling ketengan cigarettes. So if it is banned it will be risky. Whatever the policy, parameters like this should have been considered by the government and must be socialized well,” said Reynaldi.
Not only that, he said, banning retail cigarette sales would have an impact on tobacco farmers.
“Tobacco farmers certainly have to pay attention, the impact doesn’t just happen to retail cigarette sellers. It will of course affect tobacco farmers,” concluded Reynaldi.
[Gambas:Video CNBC]
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