Cross-Sector Associations Reject Proposed Plain Packaging for Tobacco Products
Various cross-sector associations, from regional to national levels, have repeatedly expressed objections to the proposal for plain packaging of tobacco products and electronic cigarettes, as outlined in a draft Ministerial Regulation of Health (Permenkes). The regulation, initiated by the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes), is deemed unsuitable for implementation in Indonesia.
As a tobacco-producing nation, stakeholders argue that such a move would make tobacco and e-cigarette products easier to counterfeit, as standardised packaging would make different products look nearly identical and difficult to distinguish. Amidst the government’s massive efforts to eradicate illegal cigarette circulation, this proposal is seen as adding fuel to the fire. The issue of illegal cigarettes not only harms state revenue and destroys compliant industries but is also counterproductive to the goals of controlling tobacco consumption.
In a recent statement on Friday (5/6/26), the Ministry of Health indicated that the drafting process for the Regulation regarding Health Warnings and Information on Tobacco and E-Cigarette Products will proceed. However, various parties have warned that this policy is inconsistent with President Prabowo Subianto’s directives to maintain economic stability, preserve industrial performance, protect employment, and ensure the welfare of local farmers.
Massive opposition has been voiced by various associations since late 2024. Tensions escalated when dozens of associations were invited to a public consultation on 25 May 2026, the same week as World No Tobacco Day. Heri Susianto, Daily Chairman of the All-Indonesia Cigarette Industry Forum (Formasi), stated that the draft regulation violates the principles of legal certainty, benefit, and justice. He criticised the Ministry’s ‘sectoral ego’, arguing that the mandate from Government Regulation (PP) 2_8/2024 regarding health warnings is being overextended to include packaging standardisation.
Heri also noted that the Ministry is using non-tobacco-producing countries as a blueprint, stating, ‘Indonesia is a tobacco producer; do not equate us with Singapore and Thailand. The Ministry must also not forget that intellectual property rights are being violated by this draft.’
Agus Parmuji, Chairman of the National Board of the Indonesian Tobacco Farmers Association (DPN APTI), stated that plain packaging would complicate the lives of farmers. He urged the government to re-evaluate the rule, noting that farmers in West Java, East Java, Central Java, and West Nusa Tenggara rely on tobacco harvests for their livelihoods. He emphasised that tobacco drives regional economies with a high Farmer Terms of Trade compared to other commodities.
Similarly, I Ketut Budhyman, Secretary General of the Indonesian Clove Farmers Association (APCI), rejected the proposal, noting that if passed, the government would be ignoring the 1.5 million clove farmers across ten provinces. He explained that 97% of clove production is absorbed by the tobacco industry.
Edi Sutopo, Chairman of the Indonesian Tobacco Community Alliance (AMTI), highlighted potential legal violations, suggesting the Ministry is overstepping its authority by regulating packaging beyond health warnings, which violates Law No. 20 of 2016 concerning Trademarks and Geographical Indications. He noted that while Article 437 of Government Regulation No. 28 of 2024 requires coordination with the Ministry of Finance regarding health warnings, the mandate is being used to implement packaging standardisation.
Dwi Anita Daruherdan, Chairman of the Association of Intellectual Property Consultants (AKHKI), explained that plain packaging would eliminate the identity and primary function of a brand. She noted that building a brand is a costly, long-term investment and that standardised colours would strip away the unique characteristics that distinguish products in the market.