Indonesia recently raised the minimum age limit for purchasing cigarettes to 21 from 18 in an effort to reduce the high smoking rates in the country. With around 70 million adult smokers, Indonesia is one of the world’s top producers of tobacco. The new regulation signed by President Joko Widodo also includes banning the sale of single cigarettes, a common practice in local stores.
The aim of the regulation is to lower the prevalence of smokers, especially among young people, and prevent early-age smoking. It also prohibits the sale of cigarettes near schools and playgrounds. This regulation went into immediate effect.
While some advocate groups believe more stringent measures are necessary, the government also banned conventional and electronic cigarette sales on social media platforms. The enforcement of the minimum age limit is expected to be more strict, with the need for ID verification.
Indonesia has been taking steps to reduce smoking rates by increasing excise rates on tobacco products regularly. The new regulations aim to create a healthier environment in the country and discourage smoking among the younger population.