Fact Check: DPR Drafting Bill to Prohibit Cigarette Purchases in Indonesia

A post on Facebook features an infographic displaying the logos of the Ministry of Health and the House of Representatives (DPR) RI. The infographic claims that the DPR RI has introduced a Bill (RUU) that prohibits the purchase of cigarettes in Indonesia.

The infographic includes the slogan, “DPR RI agrees: For the sake of the golden generation, an Indonesia without cigarette smoke,” and suggests that violators will face severe penalties. The accompanying caption states, “Latest… DPR introduces Bill to prohibit buying cigarettes in Indonesia! Strict rules for national health, violators will be heavily punished!”

However, is it true that the DPR RI has introduced a Bill to prohibit the public from purchasing cigarettes in Indonesia?

Explanation:

Based on an investigation by ANTARA on the official DPR RI website, no recent Bill regulating the prohibition of cigarette purchases in Indonesia was found. Currently, the government has several existing regulations that manage and limit the distribution and consumption of tobacco products and electronic cigarettes.

These regulations include Law Number 17 of 2023 concerning Health and Government Regulation (PP) Number 28 of 2024, which serves as the implementing regulation for the Health Law. PP Number 28 of 2024 tightens the control of tobacco products and electronic cigarettes.

These rules include prohibiting the sale of cigarettes by the stick, restricting tobacco sales to individuals under the age of 21, and regulating the locations of tobacco sales and advertisements. Furthermore, the regulation prohibits the sale of tobacco products within a 200-metre radius of educational institutions and children’s playgrounds. The government also prohibits tobacco advertisements on outdoor media within a 500-metre radius of schools and playgrounds.

Additionally, PP Number 28 of 2024 regulates the advertising, promotion, and sponsorship of tobacco products in information technology media, including the internet and social media. The government is also strengthening regulations on electronic cigarettes through provisions regarding sales, advertising, promotion, and the inclusion of health warnings.

Therefore, the claim that the DPR RI has introduced a Bill to prohibit the public from purchasing cigarettes in Indonesia is unfounded.

Claim: DPR creates Bill to prohibit cigarette purchases in Indonesia

Rating: Disinformation/False