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The Indonesian government plans to make e-KTP (Electronic ID Card) a requirement for purchasing conventional and electric cigarettes. This is to reduce the increasing prevalence of smoking among children.

According to Fahira Idris, a member of the Regional Representative Council (DPD RI), various breakthroughs will be implemented soon so that children do not have access to tobacco products. This is because several research results show that the number of underage smokers has increased significantly.

In fact, according to data from the Global Youth Tobacco Survey, Riskesdas (Basic Health Research), and Sikernas (National Poison Information Center), three out of four people start smoking before the age of 20. This indicates that the prevalence of underage smokers continues to increase and is alarming.

“Why does the prevalence of child smokers continue to increase? Because their access to cigarettes is so easy in this country. As long as they have money, they can buy cigarettes anywhere and anytime. Why don't we close this loophole?” said Fahira.

She explained that one way to address this problem is to issue and then implement a national regulation. For example, a government regulation (PP), strengthened by regional regulations that mandate e-KTP as a requirement to buy tobacco products and the like.

Thus, this requirement could make it difficult for children to access tobacco products due to age restrictions.

“All stores, whether supermarkets, self-service stores, minimarkets, convenience stores, and even street vendors, must comply, and if they violate, they will be given strict sanctions such as closure or fines. Regulations like this are commonly implemented abroad,” she stated.

Source: Vapemagz