Vapeboss – Currently, a lot of misinformation about alternative tobacco products is widely circulating among the public. Scientific studies involving stakeholders are needed to eliminate misleading information and provide more accurate information access to the public, especially adult smokers.

Chairman of the Indonesian Vapers Association (AVI), Johan Sumantri, explained that the misinformation spread in the community is not based on research or scientific studies. Therefore, scientific studies involving academics, health practitioners, healthcare providers, and the public are needed to underpin information about alternative tobacco products, which the government can then expand access to.

“Rather than being busy educating the public about which news is accurate and which is not, it’s better to ask the government to stop spreading inaccurate news and immediately conduct scientific studies and present the results to the public,” Johan said.

Johan added that many studies and research have been conducted both domestically and abroad that can refute misinformation related to alternative tobacco products such as e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches. However, the results of these studies have not been well conveyed to the public due to the lack of support from the government and relevant stakeholders to expand access to information.

“One of the reasons is the lack of government support. For the initial stage, it’s enough to sit down with the government, especially the Ministry of Health,” he said.

He is concerned that if misinformation continues to spread without accurate information based on scientific studies promoted by the government, it will hinder efforts to reduce the prevalence of smokers. In fact, data published by Public Health England, a division within the Department of Health and Social Care in the UK, in February 2021 showed that alternative tobacco products are very effective in significantly reducing the number of smokers.

“If information about the existence of these products continues to be obscured, then the prevalence of active smokers in Indonesia will be difficult to decrease,” he concluded.

A similar sentiment was also expressed by the Chairman of the Indonesian Vape Consumers Association (AKVINDO), Paido Siahaan. He stated that the prevalence of smokers in Indonesia would be difficult to suppress if adult smokers struggle to obtain and access accurate information regarding alternative tobacco products.

“Our goal to provide a better choice for the 69 million smokers in Indonesia will be disrupted. In the long term, this will be a burden on the country,” Paido said.

Source: Kontan