RI to ratify tobacco convention

RI to ratify tobacco convention

JAKARTA: The government is set to endorse the UN Framework on
Convention of Tobacco Control (FCTC) to strengthen efforts to
reduce the number of smokers in the country.

Minister of Health Achmad Sujudi said, after a Cabinet meeting
on Thursday, that with the endorsement, the government should
further discuss new regulations to limit smoking habits.

"Of course, we'll not try to stop smoking altogether, but
we'll put tougher restrictions on cigarette advertising,
establish regulations to separate smokers from nonsmokers and
impose higher taxes on cigarette companies," Achmad said.

The minister emphasized that tougher regulations might be
applied within the next five years, in line with recent
government regulation No.19/2003 on tobacco.

He also said the government was fully aware of the negative
economic impact of slapping higher taxes on cigarette producers
but as a member of the UN Indonesia should comply with the
regulation.

"We also want to safeguard public health because we are fully
aware of the dangers of smoking to one's health," the minister
said. --JP