FM-UGM. Bad smoking habits increase in Indonesia, especially in the young generation. In 2014, the prevalence of adolescents aged 16-19 years who smoked increased 3-fold to 20.5% from 7.1% in 1995. More surprising is the age who begin to smoke younger. Beginner smokers aged 10-14 years increased by more than 100% in less than 20 years to 18% in 2013 from 8.9% in 1995. (Ministry of Health Republic Indonesia, 2016)
The control of cigarette in Indonesia not yet maximal. Indonesia is the third country which has the largest smokers in the world after Tiongkok and India. The theme of The Day Without Cigarette 2017 which celebrated each 31 May was “Cigarette threatens us and the development”. The development in a country would destroy if the young generation destroys by the cigarette.
Various research about health stated that cigarette is dangerous because it affects the health of people. “If the cost of smokers’ health paid by the country, so that the fund of the country would exhaust whereas, the fund of the country could use to develop the country. A large number of smokers who are sick would reduce the productivity,” said Chairman of Quit Tobacco Indonesia Faculty of Medicine, Dra. Yayi Suryo Prabandari, MSi., PhD
According to Yayi, 67% men aged 15 years and over who 70% are BPJS participant are active smokers. Moreover, The family environment and the participation of parents determine the control of cigarettes for children or young people. Cross-sectoral cooperation, one of them with the school is also needed, for example, various extracurricular activities in the afternoon and evening so it could prevent children from the habit of ‘hanging out’. “Hangout without an aim is the beginning of kids getting to know cigarettes. Indeed, the main role is the family, so if there are adults who still smoke do not smoke in front of their children or not smoking in the house, “advises Yayi.
Until now Indonesia has not signed the ratification of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) of the World Health Organization (WHO). One of the contents of the FCTC provides protection to children. “Selling cigarettes should not be for the age of 18 years, the sale of cigarettes will be limited so there is no access for children, the price of cigarettes is expensive so it is not reachable by children, and the existence of cigarette areas everywhere. Schools and universities also have to be a non-smoking area,” Yayi said. Yayi appeals to other academics to be involved in this issue, at least to provide the results of the study to participate in advocating the government, so that the government has a policy of protecting our society. The other way to do more research about the impact of smoking, thus advocating evidence-based governments. Yayi also added that the government began to examine this issue, which calling a neutral expert both from the rejecting and supporting sides. (Dian / IRO); (Megawangi/Translator)