RR.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian government is intensifying efforts to protect children and adolescents from exposure to and dependence on tobacco products.

One measure being prepared by the Ministry of Health is the introduction of plain packaging for tobacco and electronic cigarette products, aimed at reducing their appeal to younger age groups.

This policy is outlined in the draft Health Ministry Regulation on health warnings and information for tobacco and e-cigarette products. It follows Government Regulation No. 28/2024, which implements Law No. 17/2023 on Health and mandates standardized packaging.

“Regulating uniform packaging aims to reduce its appeal to children and teenagers, not prohibit it,” said Acting Director General of Disease Management at the Health Ministry, Andi Saguni, in Jakarta on June 5, 2026, as reported on the ministry’s website.

The draft regulation requires uniform colors on tobacco and e-cigarette packaging. Brand identity and fonts may be displayed if permitted by law, while pictorial health warnings must remain visible to inform the public of risks.

Dr. Andi noted that international studies show plain packaging is effective in reducing the attractiveness of tobacco products, strengthening health warnings, and preventing children and new smokers from starting to smoke.

“When attractive design elements are reduced, public attention shifts to the health messages on the packaging. This strategy has proven effective in controlling tobacco consumption,” he said.

The ministry emphasized that the regulation was drafted transparently, involving stakeholders through public forums and coordination meetings since 2024. Input was received from academics, institutions, civil society, and businesses.

“The government has considered all input in the drafting process. However, health policy must prioritize protecting the public from addiction and the harmful impacts of tobacco,” Andi added.

Data show that child smoking remains a serious problem in Indonesia. The government is strengthening tobacco control policies to build a healthier and more productive generation.

The Health Ministry hopes the regulation will provide clarity in implementing PP No. 28/2024 while reinforcing public health protection through stricter control of tobacco and e-cigarette products. Businesses will be given a two-year transition period from the regulation’s enactment, ending around July 2026.

“Protecting public health, especially that of children and adolescents, is a top priority. We want future generations to grow up healthier, free from nicotine dependence, and to enjoy a better quality of life,” Andi concluded.

The government stressed that plain packaging is not new globally, with countries such as Australia, Canada, England, France, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei Darussalam, and Myanmar already implementing similar policies to curb tobacco consumption. ***