Posted 22 November 2006 @ 02:37
JAKARTA, 22 November 2006 - Indonesian lawmakers are drafting a bill that would ban tobacco companies from advertising or sponsoring sporting and entertainment events, local media reported Tuesday. The bill, which is sure to face opposition from Indonesia's powerful and wealthy tobacco lobby, also envisages doubling taxes on cigarettes to more than 60 percent in the country of 220 million people.
"The country is facing a catastrophe with the number of young smokers increasing exponentially over the years," said legislator Hakim Sarimuda Pohan, who is chairing the committee drafting the bill, The Jakarta Post reported. Cigarette manufacturers are currently free to advertise across all media and are major sponsors of sports events, including local broadcasts of European football matches, and rock and pop concerts.
Up to 70 percent of Indonesian males smoke and women are increasingly taking up the habit. Last year Philip Morris International bought a 40 stake in Indonesia's third-largest cigarette producer, highlighting its and other companies efforts to expand their presence in foreign markets while health concerns whittle away revenues in Europe and North America.
Most Indonesians smoke cigarettes flavored with cloves produced by local manufactures, though Western brands are gaining popularity.
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