Dasco: Tobacco Policy Must Be Balanced, Farmers Should Not Be Victims

Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, has emphasised the importance of finding a balanced solution in regulating the tobacco sector, particularly regarding the proposed standardisation of cigarette packaging, or plain packaging, currently being discussed in a draft Minister of Health Regulation (Permenkes). According to Dasco, any policy adopted must continue to consider the welfare of tobacco farmers and the various parties dependent on the industry. The statement was made amid the ongoing deliberation of the draft Permenkes on the Inclusion of Health Warnings and Information on Tobacco and Electronic Cigarette Products, initiated by the Ministry of Health. Dasco assessed that protecting tobacco farmers is a complex issue as it involves various aspects, from the economy, society, and culture to public health. “It is important to seek a balanced solution between protecting tobacco farmers and reducing the harmful impact of tobacco consumption,” Dasco said in a written statement on Tuesday, 9 June 2026. He argued that every policy implemented needs to consider its impact on farmers as part of the national tobacco industry chain. He cautioned that a decline in the uptake of harvest yields due to policy changes could potentially affect farmers’ welfare. Besides Dasco, several DPR members from various commissions also shared their views on the proposed cigarette packaging standardisation. Deputy Chairman of Commission VII DPR RI, Lamhot Sinaga, assessed that the policy could potentially affect an industry that has long absorbed a large workforce. He noted that the tobacco products industry makes a significant contribution to the national economy, meaning any regulatory changes must be studied in depth. Meanwhile, Commission XI DPR RI member Puteri Komarudin requested that the plan to standardise packaging for tobacco and electronic cigarette products be reviewed comprehensively. In her view, the government needs to consider the potential impact on the industry, workers, and tobacco farmers. Similar concerns were raised by Commission VII DPR RI member Novita Hardini. She considered the tobacco products industry to be part of the downstream agricultural sector, playing a role in employment and manufacturing activity. On the other hand, Commission IX DPR RI member Nurhadi urged cross-sectoral dialogue before the policy is established. He argued that the discussion should not focus solely on health aspects but should also thoroughly consider the social and economic impacts.