Government Is Advised To Use Scientific Studies To Reduce The Dangers Of Smoking

JAKARTA - Chairman of the TAR-Free Indonesia Coalition (KABAR) Ariyo Bimmo emphasized the importance of research-based scientific studies as the basis for policies to reduce the dangers of smoking, as well as helping the government answer the problem of the high prevalence of smokers that has not been resolved until now.

"Reducing the prevalence of adult smokers can be done by considering the results of the latest scientific studies, especially from within the country," said Bimmo in his statement on Monday, July 11.

According to him, one focus that can be studied in efforts to reduce the dangers of cigarettes is alternative tobacco products such as heated tobacco products, electric cigarettes, and nicotine bags. In a study conducted with its partners, KABAR found that the risk profile of alternative tobacco products is lower when compared to cigarettes.

This finding is in line with a scientific study conducted by researchers such as Professor Riccardo Polosa from the University of Catania entitled "Safety Evaluation and Risk Assessment of Electronic Cigarettes as Tobacco Cigarette Substitutes: A Systematic Review." Taking into account the series of research results, Bimmo encourages the government to also carry out a more in-depth study involving various parties, ranging from academia, the private sector, the public, non-profit organizations, and the media.

The results of the research can later be used as a reference to form appropriate and proportional policies related to the use of alternative tobacco products as an option to reduce the risks generated by cigarettes.

Not only in the formation of policies, Bimmo continued, the involvement of various parties is also necessary for the context of disseminating factual information based on scientific studies.

Thus, public awareness of the dangers of smoking is increasing along with the presence of alternative tobacco products that can help them switch from their habit.

"We believe that the involvement of various parties through the hexahelix synergy involving elements of the government, academia, the private sector, the community, NGOs, and the media can play an active role in the formulation of alternative tobacco product regulations," said Bimmo.