According to Indonesian media Baliekbis, the use of e-cigarettes in Bali, Indonesia, is 4.2%, higher than the national average of 2.8%. Among adolescents, e-cigarette use is higher. Among adolescents aged 10 to 18 in Indonesia, the usage rate is 10.9%, while among their peers in Bali, the rate reaches 20.18%.
Youth smoking rates are a cause for concern
According to Riskesdas data, Indonesia currently ranks fourth in the world in terms of male smoking rates, and youth smoking rates increased by 1.3 percent between 2013 and 2018, mainly among adolescents. At the same time, the popularity of e-cigarettes has become a major threat to increase smoking behavior, especially among adolescents. According to GATS 2021, the use of e-cigarettes among Indonesian adults increased from 0.3% in 2011 to 3.0% in 2021.
In particular, Bali’s e-cigarette use rate is 4.2%, higher than the national average of 2.8%. Among adolescents, e-cigarette use is higher. Among adolescents aged 10 to 18 in Indonesia, the usage rate is 10.9%, while among their peers in Bali, the rate reaches 20.18%.
Public health figures are concerned about youth smoking as Indonesia is about to usher in the so-called demographic dividend era, which is expected to achieve the “Indonesian Golden Age” in 2045.
Dr. Putu Ayu Swandewi Astuti, President of Udayana Central FK Unud, University Medical Centre, Bali, said:
“The focus on controlling youth smoking is also included in the national medium-term development Plan for 2020-2024. The government is committed to reducing the youth smoking rate from 9.1% to 8.7% by 2024.”
Ban outdoor tobacco advertising
The Indonesian Government has issued a number of regulations on smoke-free areas, including an ordinance on addictive substances in tobacco products (PP No. 109 Tahun 2012); The Province of Bali has enacted Provincial Regulation No. 10 Tahun 2011, which establishes a smoke-free zone policy and has introduced corresponding regulations in the municipalities/counties of Bali. In addition, the prohibition of tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship is a key element of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
In his representative’s statement, Dewa Indra, Deputy Governor of Bali Province, said:
“‘ Nangun Sat Kerthi Loka Bali ‘is the local development vision of Bali Province to realize a new era of Bali through universal planned and comprehensive development. The sixth task is to develop high-quality human resources that are competitive, high quality, honest, professional, ethical and confident, a value based on the local wisdom of Bali.”
He added that banning outdoor tobacco advertising is an important measure to protect citizens from the dangers of tobacco and control exposure to tobacco products, thereby improving the quality of life of citizens. Constant tobacco advertising can motivate consumers to buy, become new smokers, maintain smoking behaviors, or even start smoking again after quitting.
Tobacco advertising hinders efforts to control smoking behavior by making people ignore the negative effects of tobacco. The younger generation is a particular target of the tobacco industry, especially teenagers. They need to be protected from tobacco products and from exposure to harmful addictive substances. This is in line with article 133 of the Health Act No. 36 of 2009, which states that tobacco is an addictive substance and its advertising must be regulated.
The government has set a target in the medium-term national Development Plan for 2020-2024 to reduce the smoking rate among those under 18 from 9.1% to 8.7%. Tobacco advertising, as a medium of communication, is mainly targeted at new smokers, especially children and adolescents.