To Reduce The Number Of Smokers, The Government Is Expected To Provide Support For Alternative Cigarettes Such As Vape

Illustration/Photo: Antara

JAKARTA - The government is expected to provide full support for alternative tobacco products, such as e-cigarettes or VApe, heated tobacco products, and nicotine bags, as a solution to the problem of cigarettes in Indonesia. Support from the government needs to be strengthened with regulations based on health risk profiles, according to the Secretary General of the Indonesian Personal Vaporizer Association (APVI), Garindra Kartasasmita. Garindra revealed that alternative tobacco products have helped him quit smoking since 2016. Although the first month was difficult, he was finally able to completely quit smoking. Not only that, thanks to switching to this product, he can also get rid of the "smoker's cough" or cough that smokers usually feel. In addition, there is comfort for him and the environment around him. "My family also feels more comfortable. Home, clothes , and the vehicle does not smell of cigarette smoke," he said, quoted by Antara. According to Garindra, almost all consumers of alternative tobacco products experienced a similar condition. With such great potential, he believes this product should get full support from the government as an option to switch In addition, based on the results of a number of scientific studies at home and abroad, it is stated that alternative tobacco products atif able to reduce the risk up to 90 percent 95 percent compared to conventional cigarettes.

"Alternative tobacco products should be treated as one of the products that apply the concept of risk reduction. This product is a solution and a real solution for many people," he said. "Almost all e-cigarette consumers realize that this product is lower risk. One form of regulation What is needed includes product standards in order to convince consumers that these products are made properly,” he stressed. If the government does not optimally support alternative tobacco products, Garindra said the prevalence of smoking and all health problems related to cigarettes will be difficult to overcome. Developed countries have succeeded in overcoming the risks generated by cigarettes, Indonesia will be left very far behind and continue to be in a circle of problems that never find a solution, "explained Garindra. In line with Garindra, Chairman of the Indonesian Vapers Association (AVI) Johan Sumantri added, the government needs to present professional-based regulations There is a risk that adult smokers are fully convinced that they have the option to switch to alternative tobacco products, and can leave cigarettes completely. the first step, the government can consider the results of studies that have been carried out by academics and universities, both at home and abroad. alternative tobacco products industry and consumer associations. Johan said he was ready to help the government. "In Indonesia there are already various universities or independent institutions that make studies. But the government has not seen the study as a reference for making regulations and considering the concept of reducing tobacco harm as part of tobacco control, that is a problem. need data from consumers, AVI is ready to help," concluded Johan.