Indonesia urges regions to apply smoke-free area policy actively
The Indonesian Ministry of Health has urged regional governments nationwide to move actively in implementing the smoke-free area policy to reduce secondhand smoke exposure.
A no-smoking sign in a smoke-free area at Banda Aceh City Hall, Aceh. (Photo: ANTARA)
Jakarta (VNA) – The Indonesian Ministry of Health on April 27 urged regional governments nationwide to move actively in implementing the smoke-free area policy to reduce secondhand smoke exposure.
Chair of the Tobacco-Related Disease Control Working Group of the Ministry of Health Benget Saragih said the Government had created Regulation No. 28 of 2024 as a concrete measure to respond to an increase in smoking prevalence, both conventional and electronic cigarettes, especially among children and teenagers.
The Health Forum: Protect Now, Later event in Yogyakarta was held in Yogyakarta ctiy, Java province, on April 25.
The forum was an important moment to strengthen cross-sectoral commitment in accelerating the cigarette control policy in regions, as well as disseminating information about Government Regulation Number 28 of 2024 on Health./.
The minister said that the report has prompted the Ministry of MSMEs to move toward the formation of a task force for the protection and empowerment of MSMEs in Indonesia, adding that the planned task force would be empowered to take action against those involved in the distribution and sale of counterfeit goods.
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The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.