Urban Citizens' Forum Urges Immediate Implementation of MBDK Excise Tax

Jakarta (ANTARA) - In commemoration of World Health Day, the Urban Citizens’ Forum (FAKTA) Indonesia has expressed profound concern over the delay in implementing the excise tax on Packaged Sweetened Beverages (MBDK), urging the government to apply it immediately. “Excessive sugar consumption has been proven to be one of the main factors increasing the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs),” said FAKTA Indonesia Chairman Ari Subagyo Wibowo in his statement in Jakarta on Tuesday. According to him, World Health Day, which falls on 7 April each year, presents an opportunity to demand the immediate implementation of the MBDK excise tax. Ari stated that the repeated delays, justified by unstable economic conditions, reflect neglect of the serious threat posed by NCDs to the “Golden” generation of 2045. FAKTA assesses that the government needs to reduce NCD rates through concrete policies, one of which is the implementation of the MBDK excise tax, so that the state’s presence in controlling the surge in obesity and type 2 diabetes, especially among children, can be felt. Due to this delay, Ari continued, the state could face losses of up to Rp40.6 trillion, particularly from the swelling costs of treating diabetes-related diseases. “This burden will ultimately be borne by the national health insurance system, including BPJS Kesehatan, which is currently under heavy pressure,” he said. In addition, FAKTA Indonesia also highlighted the issuance of Minister of Health Regulation No. 3 of 2026, which is seen as revealing weaknesses in regulatory quality. This is because the regulation can be assessed as not being drafted in accordance with the principles of legislation formation as stipulated in Law No. 12 of 2011 on the Formation of Legislation. “The absence of maximum limits on sugar, salt, and fat (GGL) content in the regulation creates a normative vacuum and legal uncertainty,” he said. Therefore, in commemoration of World Health Day, FAKTA Indonesia urges the government to immediately enact the MBDK excise tax policy as a concrete step to control sugar consumption. In addition, it is necessary to evaluate and revoke Minister of Health Regulation No. 3 of 2026, and to establish maximum limits for sugar, salt, and fat content that must be adhered to by industry. “World Health Day should serve as a reminder that the nation’s future is not determined solely by economic growth, but also by the health quality of its generations. Without firm and health-oriented policies, the aspirations of Golden Indonesia 2045 risk becoming mere slogans without meaning,” he added.