Vapeboss – Associations of alternative tobacco product businesses, such as vapes, are committed to continuously supporting the government in preventing the misuse of alternative tobacco products by children, pregnant women, and non-smokers. This commitment and active participation aim to ensure that alternative tobacco products are fully accessed by adult smokers who wish to switch to better alternatives.

Garindra Kartasasmita, Secretary-General of the Indonesian Personal Vaporizer Association (APVI), explained that alternative tobacco products such as e-cigarettes or vapes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches, have been proven to have a lower risk profile than cigarettes.

This is evidenced by a scientific study by Public Health England (now known as the UK Health Security Agency), a division within the Department of Health and Social Care in the UK, in 2018 titled "Evidence Review of E-Cigarettes and Heated Tobacco Products." The results showed that both products have a 90-95% lower risk compared to cigarettes.

Despite having a lower risk profile, Garindra emphasized that alternative tobacco products are not intended for children, pregnant women, and non-smokers. These products, which are the result of innovation and technological development, are only for adult smokers who want to switch to a better alternative. Therefore, APVI and other associations are committed to helping the government prevent the misuse of alternative tobacco products.

"Associations of businesses in the alternative tobacco product industry have agreed and are ready to help the government prevent the misuse of alternative tobacco products among children, pregnant women, and non-smokers," Garindra said in his statement on Tuesday (4/7/2023).

As a form of commitment from business associations, Garindra stated that his organization has issued association rules for its members not to sell alternative tobacco products to children, pregnant women, and non-smokers. Not only that, APVI also consistently and continuously provides education to the public. Garindra is optimistic that these efforts will minimize the potential for misuse of alternative tobacco products.

On the one hand, Garindra also hopes that the government will continue to be open and objective towards a number of study results on alternative tobacco products from both within and outside the country. This is so that the government can also participate in disseminating accurate and comprehensive information about alternative tobacco products to the public. The hope is that the public, especially adult smokers, will be assured that this product is indeed an alternative for them to switch from their habits.

"Reducing health risks must be the right of all Indonesian citizens. Meanwhile, the publication of untrue news and difficulty in accessing alternative tobacco products will only trap adult smokers in problems," he explained.

In line with businesses, consumers are also ready to support these efforts. Johan Sumantri, Chairman of the Indonesian Vapers Alliance (AVI), supports the efforts of alternative tobacco product business associations who have consistently carried out socialization and campaigns. As a consumer representative, he also encourages his members to disseminate information regarding these provisions.

"We are ready to collaborate with business friends and other stakeholders in campaigning against the use of alternative tobacco products by children under 18 years old," he said.

Source: Bisnis

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