Smoke-free alternatives could save 4.6m lives in Indonesia

STOCKHOLM, 09 December – MORE than 4.6 million lives could be saved if Indonesia embraces smoke-free alternatives to traditional cigarettes, according to a sensational new report.

Indonesia has one of the highest smoking rates globally and records 300,000 deaths every year from tobacco-related diseases.

The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts this woeful toll will increase even further next year when the smoking rate is forecast to rise to 37.5% of adults.

But a ground-breaking report released today shows that this trend could be dramatically reversed if the country integrated tobacco harm reduction (THR) strategies into its public health policy.

Dr. Delon Human, a co-author of the report Saving 4.6 million lives in Indonesia, said: “With over 65% of adult men in Indonesia smoking, and the country’s high smoking-related death toll, it is clear that a new approach is urgently needed.

“Switching to safer nicotine products is significantly more effective than traditional cessation tools, such as nicotine replacement therapy. Our analysis shows that if Indonesia embraced THR strategies, including smoke-free alternatives to cigarettes, it has the opportunity to save 4,616,000 lives by 2060, while leading the way in tobacco control reform.”

The report calls for health professionals, especially physicians, to promote THR and counter nicotine misinformation to reduce smoking-related harm.

It also urges the Indonesian government to adopt risk-proportionate regulations for safer alternatives, invest in local research to guide evidence-based policies and strengthen consumer advocacy through independent, science-based groups.

Additionally, engaging religious leaders could help guide communities to quit smoking and support harm reduction efforts, reaching a broader audience across Indonesia.

Dr. Human, leader of Smoke Free Sweden, said: “Public health can be radically improved if governments and health professionals work together to communicate the benefits of smoke-free alternatives.

“By providing access to safer nicotine products, investing in research and ensuring consumers are represented in policymaking, Indonesia can set an example for the rest of the world in reducing the harm caused by tobacco use.”