Khabar Southeast Asia

  • English
  • Bahasa

Indonesia tobacco use soaring

September 13, 2012

Indonesian officials announced Tuesday (September 11th) that the country's tobacco epidemic continues. According to the just released Global Adult Tobacco Survey 2011 (GATS), the proportion of male smokers over 15 increased last year to 67.4% from 53.9% in 1995. Indonesian men have the highest percentage of smokers in the world. [Beawiharta/Reuters]

Indonesian officials announced Tuesday (September 11th) that the country's tobacco epidemic continues. According to the just released Global Adult Tobacco Survey 2011 (GATS), the proportion of male smokers over 15 increased last year to 67.4% from 53.9% in 1995. Indonesian men have the highest percentage of smokers in the world. [Beawiharta/Reuters]

JAKARTA, Indonesia – A new survey found Indonesian men rank as the world's top smokers, with two out of three lighting up in a country where cigarettes cost pennies and tobacco advertising is everywhere, local media reported.

The 2011 Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) released Tuesday (September 11th) found that 67.4% of all males over the age of 15 smoke, as opposed to 53.9% in 1995. The jump in tobacco use puts Indonesians at a higher risk of smoking-related health problems.

Health Minister Nafsiah Mboi told reporters Tuesday that tobacco consumption is the main cause of preventable illnesses and disabilities in the country.

"Looking at the results of the survey, I must say that we have failed to protect our own people from tobacco-related health risks. We have been defeated by the tobacco industry."

According to World Health Organisation (WHO) data from 2008, Indonesia had the third-largest population of smokers in the world after India and China. This newer 2011 GATS survey finds Indonesia now ranks at the top of the list of countries with the highest prevalence of active male adult smokers in the world, followed by India with 47.9%, the Philippines 47.7%, and Vietnam 47.4%.

The GATS survey also estimated the number of those exposed to second hand smoke is 85.4%.

Home About Us Contact Us Disclaimer +Fullsite