Indonesia has made remarkable strides in adoption of smoke-free policy. As of June 2023, a total of 456 cities and districts, equal to around 86% of 520 cities and districts in Indonesia, have adopted smoke-free policies. But the actual implementation of these regulations leaves much to be desired. One major stumbling block is the lack of measurable data and monitoring tools that would guarantee the effective enforcement of these policies.
Exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke has become a significant public health issue in Indonesia. The Institute for Health Metrics an Evaluation (IHME) estimates that about 50 000 people die per year due to second-hand tobacco smoke. According to the Global Adults Tobacco Survey (GATS) 2021, an alarming number of adults are exposed to second-hand tobacco smoke: 74% were exposed in restaurants, 51% in government buildings or offices, 45% in indoor workplaces, and 41% in public transport. Implementing 100% smoke-free environment policy is a cost-effective intervention which not only shields non-users from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke, but it also helps change social norms surrounding tobacco smoking and encourages tobacco smokers to quit.
To improve the policy enforcement, the Ministry of Health (MoH) and WHO Indonesia have joined forces to create an innovative tool called the smoke-free area dashboard (Dashboard Kawasan Tanpa Rokok). This web-based platform was developed to monitor and visually represent the progress of smoke-free policy implementation at city/district levels. The dashboard comprises of four assessment components: regulation, inspection, enforcement, and compliance. Each of these components contributes to a score that determines the overall implementation rank for every city and district. This dashboard has a companion mobile application called Monitor KTR Indonesia, designed specifically for the smoke-free task forces. This app allows officials to record inspections, enforce regulations, and evaluate compliance with smoke-free policies.
Screenshot of the smoke-free area dashboard. Credit: WHO/Ridhwan Fauzi
In the first phase, the smoke-free area dashboard and Monitor KTR application have been introduced in Jakarta Province, Bandung City, Bogor City, Depok City, Klungkung District, and Metro City. Recognizing the immense potential of this initiative, the Ministry of Home Affairs has enthusiastically endorsed the dashboard, issuing a circular to all cities and districts, encouraging their active utilization to ensure effective implementation and enforcement of local smoke-free policies.
On 8 June 2023, the smoke-free area dashboard has been officially launched during the World No Tobacco Day commemoration. In the launch, Vice Minister of Health, Prof Dr Dante Saksono Harbuwono, emphasized that the dashboard would help the national and subnational governments in monitoring the progress of smoke-free policy implementation. WHO Indonesia Healthier Population Team Lead, Dr Lubna Bhatti, highlighted the competitive aspect the dashboard brings, encouraging cities and districts to vie for excellence in protecting people from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.
Dr Bima Arya Sugiarto, the Mayor of Bogor, enthusiastically shared, "The dashboard and application provide measurable data and is incredibly user-friendly for smoke-free task force members during enforcement activities. We have utilized it during our latest enforcement operations in May 2023."
Launching of the smoke-free area dashboard. Credit: WHO/Fieni Aprilia
This smoke-free area dashboard can serve as the much-needed information system for monitoring. This platform would support efforts to increase compliance with smoke-free policies, resulting in more individuals being protected from second-hand smoke and ensuring a healthier population.
In a concerted effort, WHO Indonesia and the MoH are preparing to conduct a series of capacity-building activities for subnational smoke-free taskforces. It aims to strengthen the capabilities of cities and districts in enforcing smoke-free regulations and effectively use smoke-free area dashboard. Furthermore, WHO Indonesia and the MoH are fully committed to actively engage the Ministry of Home Affairs. This strategic partnership is focused on achieving a nationwide adoption and seamless implementation of the dashboard. These initiatives will inevitably contribute to the creation of a clean and healthy environment, thereby paving the way towards a healthier Indonesia.
Written by Ridhwan Fauzi, National Professional Officer for Tobacco Free Initiative, WHO Indonesia.