APKLI fears standardised tobacco packaging rules will harm traders

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Street Vendors Association (APKLI) is concerned that the standardised packaging rules contained in the Draft Ministerial Regulation of Health (RPMK) regarding the inclusion of health warnings and information on tobacco products and electronic cigarettes could disadvantage traders.

Speaking in Jakarta on Thursday, the General Chair of APKLI, Ali Mahsun, stated that at least 3.9 million small traders, grocery stores, and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) will be affected by the regulation.

He requested that the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) accommodate the concerns raised by the trading community.

As an initiator of the discussion regarding the proposed packaging uniformity, APKLI has asked the Ministry of Health to create regulations that are wise, fair, and proportional, ensuring they do not harm the people’s economy.

“Policy makers should consider every impact of the draft regulation on the small community, especially those who rely on daily sales, including the sale of cigarettes,” said Ali.

On the other hand, Abdul Hakim from the Ansor Youth Movement Legal Aid Institute (LBH PP GP Ansor) believes that the draft regulation for standardised cigarette packaging should be developed with consideration for the community’s economy, particularly traders, as they are the party most affected by the rule.

“All draft regulations must be created with the consideration of defending the economic, social, and cultural sovereignty of the people,” he added.