Vapeboss – The government is urged to formulate specific regulations for alternative tobacco products such as e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches. The establishment of appropriate regulations is believed to be able to protect consumers and provide legal certainty for businesses.

Ariyo Bimmo, Chairman of the Indonesian Coalition for a TAR-Free Indonesia (KABAR), explained that alternative tobacco products are intended for adult smokers who find it difficult to quit smoking, to switch to tobacco products with a lower risk profile.

However, to date, there have been no steps taken by the government to further research and formulate different regulations for alternative tobacco products.

"Regulations play an important role in protecting the public and providing legal certainty for businesses to continue developing products and innovating. Due to the absence of these regulations, many public perceptions still equate alternative tobacco products with cigarettes," said Bimmo.

According to Bimmo, alternative tobacco products require proportional regulations so that the products can be maximized. The basis for forming these regulations can refer to scientific studies that have been conducted both domestically and abroad.

"Proportional regulations can govern the existence of alternative tobacco products based on their risk profile and be made different from cigarettes. What should be the reference in every public policy-making is scientific evidence," he said.

A number of studies have been conducted in Indonesia, such as literature reviews, clinical studies, risk assessments, and systematic reviews, which can be used as reference material for formulating regulations. Even a study from Public Health England shows that alternative tobacco products can reduce health risks by up to 95 percent compared to cigarettes.

Unfortunately, the government has yet to begin scientific studies involving all stakeholders in the alternative tobacco industry.

"The government must view this issue comprehensively, not just from one perspective," said Bimmo.

After obtaining comprehensive scientific evidence, the government can regulate alternative tobacco products differently from conventional cigarettes. Bimmo is optimistic that differentiating regulations from cigarettes can maximize the potential of these products to address smoking problems in Indonesia.

"Political will from the government is needed to immediately draft regulations. KABAR, as a civil society organization that supports the benefits and uses of alternative tobacco products, is ready to assist the government," he asserted.

The same was conveyed by public policy observer from Diponegoro University, Satria Aji Imawan. According to Satria, the existence of different regulations for alternative tobacco products is greatly needed by the community, especially adult smokers.

"These regulations are important so that adult smokers' consumption behavior gradually shifts to alternative tobacco products. Because smoking is a habit, the change must be gradual," he said.

He added that to help adult smokers switch to alternative tobacco products, massive and comprehensive information dissemination is also needed by engaging all stakeholders.

"Information dissemination needs to be continuously encouraged. Research results that are easy to understand and communicate to the public are very important," he said.

Source: Tribun