Health Ministry Pushes Forward with Plain Cigarette Packaging Plan Amid Industry Objections
The Ministry of Health has confirmed that the drafting of a Ministerial Regulation on the Inclusion of Health Warnings and Information on Tobacco and E-Cigarette Products is continuing. One key point of contention in the draft is the proposal for standardised packaging, or plain packaging, which the ministry argues is designed to strengthen public health protection, particularly for the younger generation. In an official statement on Wednesday, 10 June 2026, the ministry stressed that the policy aims to reduce the visual appeal of tobacco and e-cigarette products, especially for children and adolescents who are potential new users.
The plan has drawn varied responses from a number of associations representing the industrial sector, farmers, workers, and e-cigarette businesses. They have submitted feedback concerning the policy’s potential impact on the industry, brand protection, and the economic conditions of communities dependent on the tobacco sector.
Heri Susianto, Daily Chair of the Indonesian Cigarette Industry Community Forum, assessed that the draft regulation requires further review as it could potentially cause issues regarding legal certainty and implementation on the ground. According to Heri, Indonesia has different characteristics compared to other countries that have implemented similar policies. He also highlighted the importance of considering intellectual property rights in the regulatory drafting process.
A similar view was expressed by Agus Parmuji, Chair of the National Board of the Indonesian Tobacco Farmers Association. He noted that the tobacco sector remains a source of livelihood for many farmers in various regions such as West Java, Central Java, East Java, and West Nusa Tenggara. Agus hopes the government will consider the condition of farmers during the policy-making process so as not to affect the sustainability of tobacco farming businesses, which are currently entering the planting season.
Meanwhile, the Secretary General of the Indonesian Clove Farmers Association, I Ketut Budhyman, reminded that the tobacco products industry is also linked to the clove sector. According to him, the majority of national clove production is absorbed by the tobacco products industry, so any policy affecting the industry needs to be comprehensively studied. From a legal perspective, Edi Sutopo, Chair of the Indonesian Tobacco Society Alliance, and Dwi Anita Daruherdan, Chair of the Association of Intellectual Property Consultants, highlighted aspects of brand protection and product identity as regulated by law.