KNPK: The Anti-Tobacco Campaign Is Not Considered To Think About 6 Million Workers In The Industry

Illustration. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - The National Committee for the Preservation of Kretek (KNPK) considers that the commemoration of the World Anti-Tobacco Day which is held every May 31, is inappropriate to be held in Indonesia. A small group of people who are the drivers of the warning do not understand the current and previous national situation and conditions.

"They forget that our national economy is partly supported by the national tobacco products (IHT) industry. As many as 6 million workers from upstream to downstream are absorbed in the IHT sector. Meanwhile, the contribution in the financial sector is also very high," said the Coordinator of the National Kretek Preservation Committee (KNPK) Mohammad Nur Azami in his written statement, Monday, May 31.

He added that the World No Tobacco Day which is celebrated every May 31 is a moment that should not be celebrated in Indonesia because we have a very large interest and dependence on the National Tobacco Products Industry.

"In addition to providing jobs for millions of Indonesian workers, there is also financial income that supports our state budget, both from cigarette excise and other taxes," said KNPT chairman Azami.

However, Azami believes, as a country that adheres to democratic principles, there are groups of people who want to celebrate and express opinions about anti-tobacco, it's legal. Their opinions and movements, although inappropriate, must be respected.

"The Indonesian government should not be influenced by the pressures and movements of the anti-tobacco society that will organize the commemoration of the world anti-tobacco day. Not because of the pressure of the international community or because they are worried about our country's image in the international world, so join in supporting the anti-tobacco movement," said Azami.

He further asked the government to conduct a comprehensive or comprehensive study of the contribution and benefits of the existence of the national tobacco products industry, which has so far supported the national economy.

"The government should not only look at the tobacco control point of view, but also look at the national interests of the agricultural, labor, financial and industrial sectors," said Azami.

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Meanwhile, field epidemiologist from Jenderal Sudirman University (Unsoed) Purwokerto dr. Yudhi Wibowo stated that the commemoration of World No Tobacco Day is the right moment to intensify socialization about the dangers of smoking.

"Intensify campaigns and outreach about the dangers of smoking, especially in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Smoking can damage respiratory tract function, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease," he said, quoted from Antara.

He added that the momentum of World No Tobacco Day, which is celebrated every May 31, needs to be used to intensify socialization about the dangers of smoking in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, considering it is very important and urgent.

"It is necessary to educate all people and especially the younger generation, that smoking is very dangerous for the health of yourself and those around you. Stop smoking now before it's too late," said Yudhi Wibowo.