Jakarta – Observers and experts from various sectors say that Indonesia needs to ratify the UN Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) for long-term health and economic benefits. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has yet to ratify the FCTC, contrary to Health Ministry expectations.

"We need more control over the tobacco industry and to inform the public about the responsible use of tobacco. We cannot let the younger generation fall victim to irresponsible marketing," the assistant to the President's special envoy for the Millennium Development Goals, Diah Saminarsih, told The Jakarta Post on Monday.

National Commission on Tobacco Control chairman Prijo Sidipratomo said the negative economic impacts of the FCTC were exaggerated. He cited the fact that 50 percent of the tobacco used to produce cigarettes in Indonesia was imported.

Indonesia is the only Southeast Asian country not to have ratified the convention.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/03/12/govt-urged-ratify-antitobacco-convention.html