Heaptalk, Jakarta — The Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) Commission IV has criticized Government Regulation (PP) Number 28 of 2024 on the ban on retail cigarette sales, which was recently enacted.
According to Daniel Johan, a member of DPR Commission IV, this regulation will harm small traders, specifically street vendors. “This ban on selling cigarettes individually can kill small traders with little capital, such as street vendors and hawkers,” said Daniel on Thursday (08/01).
He understands the government wants to strengthen health measures by implementing this policy. However, Daniel urges the government to be objective as the impact will hit the lower economic class. He said, “Don’t let policies burden the small people when the current economic condition is not good.”
The legislator from the West Kalimantan I electoral district also questioned the government’s solution for the groups affected by this policy, such as tobacco farmers. According to Daniel, some believe that several PP 28/2024 policies can potentially damage the democratic climate and dampen the tobacco industry. “If the climate of the tobacco industry is damaged, the impact will not only affect the general public but also the tobacco farmers who have already been struggling,” Daniel explained.
In addition, PP 28/2024 also regulates the restriction of cigarette advertisements and packaging. According to Daniel, many articles in the regulation are considered to close access for business actors and tobacco industry players. Daniel said, “What are the anticipations for this regulation’s impact on the small economy? Many small and medium-sized cigarette industries also pay excise duties. Pity them. Life is tough for tobacco farmers and micro-industry players. They are becoming more and more pressured.”
Moreover, PP 23/2024 was issued only before the tobacco harvest season throughout Indonesia. Apart from the health issue, this regulation is a blow to tobacco farmers, including tobacco industry players who have contributed significantly to the country’s economy.
