Fakta Indonesia urges the government to promptly publish the Government Regulation on the Excise of Packaged Sugar-Sweetened Beverages

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Forum Warga Kota Indonesia (Fakta) Indonesia has urged the government to urgently issue the Government Regulation (PP) on the Excise of Packaged Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (MBDK) because it is crucial.

“Delays to the MBDK Excise Government Regulation will lead to increases in non-communicable diseases caused by obesity such as diabetes and heart disease,” said Ary Subagyo Wibowo, Chairman of Fakta Indonesia, in a statement in Jakarta on Thursday.

This was stated to mark World Obesity Day.

According to him, MBDK has become a real threat to Indonesia’s Golden Generation. Therefore, the implementation of the MBDK excise should not merely be a talking point that circulates but requires real implementation.

The highest prevalence among women aged 40-44 is 41.7 percent. For children, there has been a tenfold increase over four decades.

Globally, according to WHO data for 2024, more than 1 billion people worldwide are categorised as obese. Global growth trends have nearly tripled since the 1990s.

“By 2030, it is projected that one in five women and seven men will be obese. Without the state’s involvement through the imposition of the excise, obesity rates will continue to rise,” he said.

The urgency of applying the MBDK excise in Indonesia is a legal instrument under the Excise Law No. 39 of 2007 on Excise, aimed at protecting children by reducing the affordability of high-sugar drinks for children as a primary target for the MBDK industry. It can also reduce health costs.

On this year’s World Obesity Day, Fakta Indonesia is urging the Indonesian government to set the MBDK excise without delay.

“Do not prioritise industry interests at the expense of public health.” “We will continue to voice support for the implementation of the MBDK excise as a form of protecting the right to health,” he said.