PBNU Calls for Comprehensive Study on Tobacco Packaging Rules

The Bahtsul Masail Institute (LBM) of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) has called for a comprehensive study regarding the government’s plan to standardise tobacco product packaging. The regulation is a derivative of Government Regulation (PP) Number 28 of 2024.

LBM PBNU Chairman KH Mahbub Ma’afi Romdhon stated that every public policy should ideally be formulated by considering input from various stakeholders. “Intellectual input must be considered,” he said during a National Halaqoh organised by the Association for the Development of Pesantren and Society (P3M), quoted on Thursday.

According to him, the drafting of the Minister of Health Regulation (RPMK) concerning the Inclusion of Health Warnings and Information on Tobacco Products and Electronic Cigarettes must also consider the sustainability of communities that depend on the tobacco ecosystem.

A similar view was expressed by legal expert from Sebelas Maret University (UNS), Djatmiko Anom Husodo. He stated that every regulation needs to be drafted with a policy impact analysis so that its implementation remains proportional.

“The principle of proportionality must be paramount, including the element of prudence. This principle must not only be evidence-based but also include public participation and transparency,” Djatmiko said.

He added that draft regulations related to the tobacco products industry should also consider implementation aspects to avoid widespread impacts on various parties connected in the ecosystem chain. “The tobacco products industry is a long-existing economic ecosystem, so the impact of interests within it must be properly calculated. The knock-on effects and its connections to other parts of the IHT must all be protected. The grandfather clause principle applies here,” he said.

The government is currently reviewing rules regarding the standardisation of tobacco product packaging. The concept involves making logos, colours, and distinctive designs on tobacco product packaging more uniform. From a health perspective, this policy aims to reduce the appeal of the products, especially among young people.