Vapeboss – Dedek Prayudi, also known as Uki, Director of the Centre for Youth and Population Research (CYPR), suggested that the government emulate the Philippines as a basis for formulating regulations concerning Alternative Tobacco Products (ATPs).

Uki stated that the Philippine government had enacted the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products (VNNP) Regulation Act No. 11900 in July 2022. The VNNP includes several provisions such as sales and marketing regulations. In the sales cluster, the regulation stipulates that ATPs may only be sold to individuals aged 18 and above and must not be targeted at children or non-smokers.

"The Philippine government has introduced comprehensive regulations for alternative tobacco products, tailored to the risk profile of these products. The Philippine Government has high hopes of supporting the use of these products to reduce the harm of smoking and promote a better environment. The Indonesian Government should be able to make similar efforts," Uki said.

Meanwhile, Alternative Tobacco Products such as e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches have been successfully utilized by several developed countries worldwide by continuously maximizing and strengthening regulations related to Alternative Tobacco Products to curb high smoking rates.

"Based on various research findings, it has been proven that alternative tobacco products are capable of reducing health risks compared to cigarettes. Referring to these scientific facts, the UK, New Zealand, Japan, and most recently the Philippines, support the use of alternative tobacco products and strengthen them with risk-profile-based regulations. However, to date, the Indonesian Government has not yet taken a stance on these products," he added.

From numerous scientific studies conducted, Alternative Tobacco Products have been declared to have lower health risks than cigarettes. Uki suggested that the government provide separate regulations from cigarettes for Alternative Tobacco Products.

"Alternative tobacco products are an innovation born from technological advancements to help adult smokers who have struggled to quit their habit. Therefore, these products must be supported through regulations governing production, distribution, advertising, and consumption, not just excise taxes, so that they can play a role in reducing the prevalence and harms of smoking," he concluded.

Source: Kompas