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The number of teenagers who become smokers continues to increase. Based on data from the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes), in 2018 there are around 25 percent of children aged 15-19 years who become smokers.
On average, they smoke 12.3 cigarettes per day. Previously, from the Ministry of Health's Basic Health Research (Riskesdas), the number of teenage smokers rose from 7.20 percent in 2013 to 9.10 percent.
"Based on the loss analysis, cigarette consumption by children aged 15-19 years has spent Rp 68.14 billion per day. This means that Rp. 24.87 trillion per year is burned for nothing, "said Deputy for Child Growth and Development at the Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection (Kemen PPPA) Lenny N. Rosalin.
He added, if the money was used to buy food sources, it would be beneficial for improving nutrition. For example, it can be used to buy 16.6 billion eggs for 22.16 million children per year or 2 eggs for children aged 15-19 years per day.
Lenny explained, children were targeted by cigarette companies. If smoking is ingrained from a child's age, at a later age, they will continue to smoke. "We hope that the children's forum as a pioneer and reporter can keep his peers away from cigarettes," he said.
He also hopes that the regional government will make rules regarding smoking bans. Especially for children. "Every child has the right to get clean air," he said.
Chairman of the Junior Doctor Network Indonesia Doctor Andi Khomeini Takdir Haruni revealed, children who are exposed to cigarette smoke or passive smokers will be more vulnerable to disease. For example, asthma, allergies, ear infections, and eczema. In fact, for babies, they can experience sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
"A mother who smokes will also affect babies born from her womb. Babies born will be smaller than the size in general. Babies who are exposed to cigarette smoke will also experience growth and development delays, "said Andi.
According to a study by the University of Indonesia Social Security Study Center (PKJS-UI), one way to reduce smokers is to increase cigarette excise tax. Through the Minister of Finance Regulation No. 152 / PMK.010 / 2019 concerning Changes in Tobacco Excise Tariffs, the Indonesian government is trying to protect young people from cigarette smoke snares.
PKJS-UI Tobacco Control Program Manager Renny Nurhasana revealed, the average increase in tobacco product excise based on new regulations was 21.55 percent. The minimum retail sale price (HJE) limit of 33 percent will take effect since January 1.
"At present the price of cigarettes in Indonesia is still relatively cheap so teenagers and the poor are still able to buy cigarettes easily," he said. After cigarette tax increases, it is expected that cigarettes will become more expensive and not easily accessible.
Based on PKJS-UI research on 1,000 respondents, 88 percent of the people support the increase in cigarette prices. In fact, 80.45 percent of smokers agree that the price of cigarettes rises. "The increase in cigarette prices must also be significant so that it is actually able to reduce cigarette consumption," said Renny.
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