JAKARTA. The National Coalition of Civil Society for Tobacco Control called on President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo to ratify the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) as a strategic step, arguing that it is in the best interest of the nation.
FCTC ratification would be of benefit to Indonesia's future, said Ifdhal Kasim, coordinator of the coalition, on Thursday.
"The ratification of FCTC is for the future of Indonesia and the protection of human rights particularly public health rights," he said as reported by Antara News Agency.
The United Nations' Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights had also explicitly pushed Indonesia to ratify FCTC promptly and to tighten regulations on tobacco control in Indonesia, Ifdhal cited.
"In its recommendation to the Indonesian government on June 19, 2014 the Committee urged Indonesia to ratify FCTC and prioritize several things including the prevention of cigarette consumption especially for children and teenagers," Ifdhal said.
The FCTC contains several provisions regarding smoke-free areas, packaging and labeling, pricing and taxing and the prohibition of advertising and promotion, including sponsorship.
Jokowi said on Tuesday that the decision to ratify FCTC must be thought through thoroughly, adding that national interests must be considered.
Indonesia, the world's fifth-largest tobacco producer, is the only country in Asia yet to ratify the agreement, however Jokowi asserted he would not ratify the convention just to follow a trend. The government, he said, would look at all perspectives, including health risks, the future of Indonesian youth, and the livelihood of tobacco farmers and that of workers involved in cigarette manufacturing before making a final decision.
