Ban on tobacco advertising in Indonesia to be implemented in stages

JAKARTA - Indonesia’s Health Ministry has revealed that a ban on tobacco advertising would only be implemented in stages, following consulting with a number of vested parties including officials, cigarette companies, and tobacco farmers.

Health Minister Endang Rahayu Sedyaningsih said that her ministry would most likely forbid cigarette ads and tobacco companies' sponsorships first at schools and concerts popular with the youth.

Health warnings and pictures of smoking-related diseases can also be expected on cigarette packs as the policy gets enforced.

Last October, an Asia-Pacific summit of anti-smoking campaigners urged Indonesia to regulate its tobacco industry and cigarette advertising.