Child Protection Agency Warns of Drastic Rise in Young Smokers in Indonesia

Indonesia's child protection agency is calling for tighter controls on electronic cigarette sales, citing a dramatic increase in young smokers. The National Commission for Child Protection (KPAI) argues that the current lax oversight allows e-cigarettes to be easily accessible to minors, fueling a worrying trend.

KPAI Vice Chairman Jasra Putra pointed to the deceptive marketing strategies employed by e-cigarette companies. He noted that products are often rebranded with names like "smart smoke," "smart cigarette," "vape," "e-cig," "e-liquid," "pods," "fruit-flavored cigarettes," and "personal vaporizers." Putra expressed dismay at the widespread availability of these products, which he believes cast a dark shadow over the future of Indonesia's youth.

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This is very regrettable, because these electronic cigarettes are sold very freely and camouflage themselves with various manipulative names. This is a dark portrait of the future of the younger generation.

Adding to the concern, Putra highlighted that many e-cigarettes are sold without graphic health warnings, allowing them to bypass advertising restrictions. This lack of regulation has had a serious impact on young people. KPAI data reveals a significant surge in child and adolescent smokers between 2013 and 2023, with an absolute increase of 5.9 million children. Alarmingly, cases of children beginning to smoke at the age of four have been recorded.

Furthermore, the commission reported that seven out of ten children are exposed to secondhand smoke, and a substantial number have become daily active smokers by the age of 15. "The generation that should be protected is continuously becoming a victim," Jasra stated. He added that the situation is exacerbated by police findings of widespread counterfeit excise tape, calling it a "real test for all of us" regarding commitment to children's futures.

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The generation that should be protected is continuously becoming a victim. This situation is exacerbated by police findings regarding the prevalence of fake excise tape. This is a real test for all of us, how far we stand by the future of our children.