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The Chairman of AKVINDO (Indonesian Vape Consumers Association), Paido Siahaan, wants to encourage wider access to information related to alternative tobacco products such as e-cigarettes, heated tobacco, and nicotine pouches. This is because limited information on alternative tobacco products can lead to misconceptions and doubts, ultimately hindering the process for smokers who want to switch to safer products.

Paido explained that currently, the reach of information regarding alternative tobacco products is very limited. This is because such information is only provided by business actors and related associations. Therefore, he wants participation from various parties, especially the government.

"It is time for the government, as a regulator, to provide accurate information and education to the public," Paido said.

According to Paido, many scientific studies, both domestically and internationally, have discussed the effectiveness of alternative tobacco products. However, the government has not yet utilized the results of these studies as information to be disseminated to the public.

He is concerned that if this continues, inaccurate information will circulate, preventing adult smokers from maximizing their efforts to switch and leaving the public unaware of the benefits and potential of alternative tobacco products themselves.

"Tens of millions of smokers in Indonesia ultimately do not have the opportunity to choose alternative tobacco products with much lower risks," he stated.

Paido also assured that his organization will continue to socialize the benefits of alternative tobacco products to the public, especially to adult smokers, by citing sources from published scientific studies.

"So that the public receives accountable information, and the public is also smart in finding and choosing the information they need," he emphasized.

On a different occasion, Ariyo Bimmo, Chairman of the Indonesian TAR-Free Coalition (KABAR), agreed with what Paido conveyed. According to him, comprehensive information about alternative tobacco products disseminated to the public is still not widespread enough.

Not a few pieces of erroneous information are spread, leading to the public perception that alternative tobacco products are as dangerous as cigarettes. He also wants the government and various parties to expand accurate information so that the public knows about lower-risk products.

"The government, academics, media, community organizations, and professions, particularly in the health sector, need to play a role in conveying correct information about alternative tobacco products as an option for adult smokers to switch. This needs to be accompanied by information about their risk profile, which is different from cigarettes," Bimmo concluded.

Source: Antara Sumsel