Indonesia Raises Minimum Age for Cigarette Purchases to 21

Indonesia increased the minimum age for purchasing cigarettes from 18 to 21 years as part of new health regulations aimed at reducing smoking rates. The new rules also ban single cigarette sales and restrict sales near schools. This follows efforts to curb smoking through various measures over recent years.

Indonesia has elevated the minimum age for purchasing cigarettes from 18 to 21 in a bid to tackle one of the world's highest smoking rates.

The new regulation, signed by President Joko Widodo, aims to reduce the prevalence of smoking, particularly among the young. It also forbids the sale of single cigarettes and restricts sales within 200 metres of schools and playgrounds.

Additionally, the regulation bans the sale of cigarettes, both conventional and electronic, on commercial electronic applications and social media platforms. Penalties for violations range from a written reprimand to temporary advertising bans. Despite these measures, anti-smoking advocates call for stricter enforcement and technical regulations for effective monitoring.