Tobacco remains a major behavioral risk factor contributing substantially to mortality and disability adjusted life years (DALYs) in Indonesia. Indonesia ranks among the top 10 countries most influenced by the tobacco industry, according to the Global Tobacco Industry Interference Index 2025. Although it has strengthened tobacco control with Law No. 17 of 2023 and Government Regulation No. 28 of 2024, implementation is blunted by massive industry interference and opposition. A draft regulation mandating 50% pictorial health warnings on tobacco and nicotine product packages has stalled amid industry pressure. Tobacco taxes have not risen in two years, with companies citing supposed threats to jobs and tobacco farmers’ livelihoods.
With World Health Organization’s (WHO) support, the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) developed a code of conduct to curb tobacco industry interference. A workshop on 11 December 2024 by WHO Indonesia and the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance marked an important point in this effort and introduced the issue to 50 BPOM officials.
Throughout 2025, the three bodies reviewed regulations, global guidelines and international benchmarks and drafted a regulation through extensive consultations. These efforts resulted in the passage of Circular No. 8 of 2025, which prohibits BPOM staff, including at subnational offices, from engaging in unnecessary interaction with the tobacco industry or entities representing its interests. Violations can be reported through a whistleblowing system and are subject to sanctions under BPOM’s code of ethics.
“With the transformation of BPOM’s role and the expansion of its mandate under Government Regulation No. 28 of 2024 to monitor emerging nicotine products and electronic cigarettes, it is important for BPOM officials to have clear guidelines to prevent tobacco industry interference,” said Nova Emelda, BPOM’s Director of Safety, Quality and Export–Import of Drugs, Narcotic, Psychotropic, Precursor and Addictive Substance Control.
The regulation mandates and empowers BPOM to oversee compliance with packaging and labelling requirements, nicotine and tar thresholds, and bans on harmful additive in tobacco and nicotine products in the Indonesian market. This mandate is central to effective tobacco control, where integrity, professionalism and independence from industry influence enable BPOM officials to carry it out. Protecting BPOM from interference means safeguarding public health and ensuring no compromise in enforcement.
WHO will continue supporting BPOM in implementing this regulation and advocating for synergistic integrity measures in other government agencies, raising awareness, protecting health policies from tobacco industry interference and paving the way for a healthier, tobacco-free generation.
Written by Ridhwan Fauzi, National Professional Officer (Tobacco-Free Initiative), and Dina Kania, National Professional Officer (Policy and Legislation), WHO Indonesia