**The Potential Growth of Illegal Cigarettes Highlighted by Komisi XI DPR Due to Standardized Packaging Regulations**
**Who:** Member of DPR RI Komisi XI from the Golkar Party, Puteri Komarudin
**What:** Warns the government, specifically the Ministry of Health, about the potential increase in illegal tobacco products due to standardized packaging regulations
**Where:** Jakarta
**When:** Sunday, January 19, 2025
**Why:** The proliferation of illegal products could lead to significant socio-economic losses
**How:** Standardized packaging makes it challenging to differentiate between legal and illegal cigarettes
In a recent development, Puteri Komarudin, a member of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) from the Golkar Party, has raised concerns about the government’s plan to standardize cigarette packaging. She emphasized the potential risks associated with this move, particularly the increased circulation of illegal tobacco products that could flood the market, leading to adverse social and economic consequences.
Illegal Cigarettes on the Rise
The implementation of standardized packaging poses a significant challenge in distinguishing between legal, tax-compliant cigarettes and their illicit counterparts. Puteri highlighted the difficulty in controlling and monitoring the circulation of illegal cigarettes, urging a comprehensive review of the plan by the Ministry of Health.
Growing Economic Impact
Moreover, the prevalence of illegal cigarettes in the market could result in substantial losses for the government. In 2024, excise duties from the Tobacco Industry reached Rp216.9 trillion, constituting 95% of total excise revenue. The alarming statistics from 2023, where 253.7 million illegal cigarettes were seized, escalated dramatically in 2024 to 710 million.
Call for Government Action
Given these concerning figures, Puteri called on the government to reassess the effectiveness of the proposed regulations. She stressed the importance of intensifying enforcement measures and legal actions against the circulation of illegal cigarettes. Additionally, she recommended the development of a roadmap for the Tobacco Industry to provide clarity for farmers, workers in the tobacco sector, and related industries regarding the industry’s future direction.
Amidst these discussions, Puteri shared personal insights from her constituency, Jawa Barat VII, particularly from female workers in the Hand-Rolled Clove Cigarette (SKT) sector. She emphasized the need for a balanced approach that addresses both health concerns related to tobacco consumption and the negative economic impacts.
In conclusion, Puteri urged government agencies to coordinate effectively in formulating these plans, incorporating feedback from various stakeholders, including the public, workers, farmers, and industry players. The potential ramifications of these regulations on both public health and the economy underscore the importance of thoughtful and inclusive decision-making processes.
