FAKTA Criticises Soda Promotions on Public Transport

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s Forum Warga Kota (FAKTA) has expressed concern over railway companies displaying soda promotions in train carriages as part of their 2026 World Cup campaign. FAKTA Indonesia Chairman Ari Subagio Wibowo stated on Tuesday in Jakarta that the policy contradicts efforts to control non-communicable diseases (NCDs) as stipulated in Government Regulation No. 28 of 2024, which implements the Health Law. ‘Public health is a national long-term investment that should not be compromised for commercial interests,’ Ari commented on the soda advertisements in one of the electric train carriages. He added that public transport should provide a safe and healthy environment for the public. Aggressive placement of high-sugar drink promotions in enclosed public spaces risks normalising consumption linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other NCDs, particularly among children and teenagers. According to data from the Indonesian Pediatric Association (IDAI) in February 2026, child diabetes cases have increased 70-fold compared to 2010, with most cases occurring in the 10-14 age group. ‘The Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) has also emphasised the need to control exposure to sweetened beverage (MBDK) advertisements to prevent rising morbidity and mortality from excessive sugar consumption among children,’ Ari stated. He argued that the promotions appear to be linked to the spirit of sports and international competition. However, associating high-sugar drinks with healthy lifestyles and sports risks misleading the public and normalising consumption patterns detrimental to the health of future generations. Therefore, FAKTA has called for an evaluation of soda promotion policies in train carriages and for public transport operators to be more selective about advertisements that could endanger public health. Furthermore, Ari stressed that advertising ethics prohibit promoting products that endanger health. Sweetened beverage (MBDK) products containing soda and sugar are deemed hazardous when consumed excessively. ‘It is time for Indonesia to regulate and monitor MBDK consumption due to its risks to public health,’ Ari concluded.