Draft Regulation of the Minister of Health on Tobacco and Cigarettes to Be Completed This Year

Draft Regulation of the Minister of Health (“ RPermenkes ”) on Tobacco Products and/or Electronic Cigarettes is nearing completion. The Ministry of Health (“ Kemenkes ”) is currently coordinating the draft regulation with relevant stakeholders.

“We are awaiting harmonization with ministries/agencies and still need to conduct a public hearing. It is expected to be completed this year,” said Benget Saragih, Chairman of the Working Team of Tobacco-Related Disease Control at the Ministry of Health, in an interview with Hukumonline.

RPermenkes on Tobacco Products and/or Electronic Cigarettes is a derivative regulation of Regulation of the Government No. 28 of 2024 on the Implementing Regulation of Law No. 17 of 2023 on Health (“ PP on Health ”). The discussion was temporarily delayed due to objections from the cigarette industry as well as tobacco and clove farmers.

“There is a directive to conduct another public test involving the industry and tobacco farmers,” said Benget.

Regarding the maximum limits for tar and nicotine to be included in the RPermenkes, these have not yet been determined. According to Benget, the Ministry is still awaiting a decision from the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Cultural Affairs (“ Kemenko PMK ”).