UNAIR NEWS – The Indonesian People’s Economic Committee (KERIS) recently announced plans to challenge the government’s new regulation banning single-cigarette sales, as outlined in Articles 434 and 194 of Government Regulation No. 28 of 2024. This regulation is viewed as harmful to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the tobacco industry.
Policy analysis
Gitadi Tegas Supramudyo, MSi, a Public Policy expert from Universitas Airlangga, offered his insights on the matter from a policy analysis perspective. He emphasized the importance of creating evidence-based policies when drafting regulations of this kind.
Single-cigarette sales is a common practice in small shops, convenience stores, and coffee stalls across the country. The main buyers of these single cigarettes are low-income individuals who cannot afford to purchase larger quantities.
Economic impact
The UNAIR Faculty of Social and Political Sciences lecturer noted that while the direct economic impact of the ban on the sale of individual cigarettes may be minimal for SMEs, the indirect or multiplier effects could be significant.
“Customers who purchase single cigarettes often buy other products as well, such as fried snacks or wrapped meals. This should be factored into the impact assessment of this policy,” he stated.
Public health
Commenting on the KERIS lawsuit, Supramudyo acknowledged its relevance and viewed it as a legitimate effort to protect the livelihoods of small traders who depend on single-cigarette sales. However, he also stressed that such policies must align with long-term public health objectives.
“From a health perspective, this ban might support efforts to reduce smoking in Indonesia. However, the primary challenge lies in the implementation. The policy might be sound, but its enforcement is often difficult and inconsistent,” he emphasized.
Supramudyo also questioned the effectiveness of the ban in reducing the number of active smokers. “As long as cigarette prices remain affordable and large-scale production continues, this ban might simply alter consumption patterns rather than significantly decreasing smoking rates,” he added.
Seeking balanced solutions
Supramudyo urged the government to find a balanced solution that considers both public health goals and the economic sustainability of small tobacco business owners. He highlighted the need for more effective and widespread public education, suggesting that bans alone are insufficient and that raising awareness from an early age is essential.
Author: Rosali Elvira Nurdiansyarani
Editor: Edwin Fatahuddin
