Social Minister: Protect Indonesian Children From the Dangers of Cigarettes

JAKARTA (July 20, 2020) - The Minister of Social Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Juliari P. Batubara was present as a Keynote Speaker in the Webinar "Protection and Fulfillment of Children's Rights from Cigarette Culture during the COVID-19 Pandemic" organized by the Indonesian Child Protection Institute (LPAI). The webinar which was held virtually in commemorate of National Children's Day was attended by 430 participants at the Zoom Meeting and 250 participants on Youtube, also presenting speakers from the Ministry of Health and and Ministry of Womens’s Empowerment and Child Protection.

Juliari in his direction explained three important points in an effort to prevent children from becoming smokers. First, we must limit access to the convenience of buying cigarettes for children. This is based on the fact that children can buy cigarettes easily, even in a “piece” manner.

Juliari described that in developed countries such as Singapore, access to cigarettes is very strict, even people who smoke are considered strange. "We have to change the view of children who think that smoking can make them look older, more manly, cooler and more stylish," said Juliari.

"Secondly, smoking is a gateway to drugs. If the family, school and other environments cannot prevent it, children will become users of Marijuana, methamphetamine and ecstasy. Don't let my children fall into bad things that make parents and our family are sad," said Juliari.

The Minister of Social Affairs has constantly reminded that falling into children at an early age will greatly damage the brain and the next life.

Furthermore, Juliari declared that the third point that must be pursued is to increase cigarette prices and tax. In line with this, the Early Intervention program becomes very important. The superior human resources that the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo has always stated, will not be achieved if there is no anti-smoking prevention program.

"Efforts to prevent smoking in children must start with parents, remind them the dangers of smoking and give understanding that cigarettes are the entrance to drugs," said Juliari. Furthermore, Juliari said that the future life is full of competition, so the children who can survive are those who stay away from negative things. "Our nation will not be a winning nation if the children cannot be winners."

Juliari also conveyed a message that parents should always try to provide good life lessons for their children. Juliari believes that a lot of wealth will not always guarantee happy children. "Give a legacy in the form of positive values, stay away from destructive negative values, teach children to be humble and listen to people who are more experienced or older and don't depend on cigarettes," said Juliari.

"Happy National Children's Day 2020. We create superior and advanced Indonesian children who can make Indonesia more prosperous and respected by other nations," said the Indonesian Minister of Social Affairs.

Riau Children's Forum, Tegar Islami asked how to socialize smoking prevention with cultural diversity and what the Children's Forum could do to help the government.

"Dissemination adapts to local wisdom through social pillars and social companions. The Children's Forum can use social media effectively to socialize the dangers of smoking at an early age," replied the Minister of Social Affairs.

Furthermore, Juliari responded to a statement from the East Java Children's Forum regarding the regulations for buying and selling cigarettes, which are still easy to obtain. "The government must at least immediately enforese a rules that buying cigarettes must use an Identity Card (KTP)," said Juliari.

Secretary General of the Ministry of Health, Oscar Primadi explained about the vulnerability of smokers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Oscar delivered a Call To Action on World No Tobacco Day (HTTS) 2020 "Prevent Indonesian Children and Youth from Cigarette Persuasion". "There are five important messages, namely: (1) create a generation that is free from tobacco, (2) increase commitment to the prevalence of novice smokers, (3) encourage the protection of children and adolescents from advertising, promotion and sponsorship of cigarettes, (4) encourage local governments to create a No Smoking Area (KTR) in all arrangements and (5) implement the existing policies and regulations related to cigarette control," explained Oscar.

KPPPA's Deputy for Child Growth and Development, Lenny Rosalin conveyed the percentage of smoking proportions in children aged 10-14 years. "Data from the Ministry of Health 2018 listed in the 2019 KPPPA Child Profile, there are 0.70% daily smokers, 1.40% occasional smokers, 2% ex-smokers and 95.90% non-smokers," said Lenny.

At the end of the event, LPAI Chairman Kak Seto asked to sing 'Stop Smoking'. "Cigarettes are really dangerous. Cigarettes are poison. Come on, friends, don't smoke. Cigarettes are the entrance to drugs," said Kak Seto.

Participants in the webinar consisted of the Children's Forum throughout Indonesia, the Voice for Children Free from Cigarettes Forum (SADAR), the Muhammadiyah Student Association (IPM), the NU Student Youth Association (IPPNU), the Khizbul Wathan Scout Movement and students throughout Jabodetabek.

Let's protect Indonesian children from smoking and drugs. Make children live, grow healthy, smart, and innovate in the global era. Show That Indonesian Children Are Great.