Vapeboss – E-cigarette consumers in Indonesia are concerned that if excise duties are raised, market prices will become more expensive. Besides benefiting from low risk, they claim they can save money after switching to vaping. However, these savings will be harder to achieve if market prices soar due to rising excise duties.

Furthermore, tobacco commodity prices in the market tend to be dynamic and increasing. Even currently, liquid prices are still relatively expensive. Some vapes, such as closed-system types, are quite expensive compared to other types. Yet, the benefits provided by these alternative products also greatly help their consumers.

On the other hand, Pakta Konsumen, a public institution focusing on fulfilling consumer rights, states that consumers of tobacco products play an important role in contributing to the state treasury, so their voices as consumers should be taken into account.

Ary Fatanen, Head of Advocacy and Education at Pakta Konsumen, said that as part of fulfilling consumer rights, the government needs to conduct in-depth studies related to e-cigarettes.

“Consumers have the right to have research conducted on the risk information of e-cigarettes. When discussing consumer issues, it cannot be separated from their sovereignty, where the highest sovereignty lies in the freedom to choose. In these conditions, information or knowledge about their choices becomes very important,” said Ary.

Ary also stated that the government is obligated to use research and disseminate accurate information in formulating policies related to the Tobacco Industry (IHT).

Source: Tribunnews