Jakarta's Smoke-Free Zone Regulation Deemed to Balance Health and Economic Interests

Jakarta — The head of the Event Industry Council Indonesia (IVENDO) Jakarta chapter, Eka Nugraha, has assessed that Jakarta Provincial Regulation No 7 of 2025 concerning Smoke-Free Zones (KTR) strikes a balanced approach between health and economic objectives.

“I see this regulation as a middle path. It restricts but does not impose a total ban. Therefore, it achieves fairness for all stakeholders,” Eka said in Jakarta on Sunday.

However, Eka hopes that during implementation, the Jakarta provincial government will continue to provide space for the creative industry sector, which also absorbs significant labour.

According to the National Event Industry Survey 2024–2025, Indonesia’s event industry generated an economic value of Rp84.46 trillion and has the potential to absorb approximately 8.8 million workers.

Jakarta is one of the primary hubs for activities ranging from music festivals to art and cultural exhibitions.

However, Eka noted that since the issuance of Presidential Instruction No 1 of 2025 through 11 February 2025, there have been 638 event cancellations or postponements across 32 provinces, resulting in lost business value of Rp429.23 billion.

The largest number of cancellations occurred in meeting activities (50.64 per cent), followed by incentive events (12.82 per cent) and training programmes (10.90 per cent).

According to Eka, if other parties continue to push for a complete ban on advertising, promotion and sponsorship relating to Jakarta’s smoke-free zone regulation, they must recognise that local governments also depend on local revenue growth.

“If local revenue from the event and MICE industry declines, the knock-on effect reduces revenue from hotels and restaurants as well,” Eka explained.