Amid ongoing global debates about the role of the World Health Organization (WHO), Indonesia faces renewed scrutiny over the potential adoption of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). The recent decision by the United States to withdraw from WHO has added fuel to discussions questioning the legitimacy of certain international health policies, particularly those that could impact national industries.
One such policy under the spotlight is the FCTC, which has served as a foundation for various tobacco control measures globally, including proposals in Indonesia to introduce plain cigarette packaging without brand identifiers, as outlined in a draft regulation by the Ministry of Health.
However, HikmahantoJuwana, professor of International Law at the University of Indonesia (UI) has voiced serious reservations about the FCTC’s relevance for countries like Indonesia, which are major tobacco producers. According to him, the treaty, largely championed by non-tobacco-producing nations, may serve external interests that threaten local industries under the guise of health advocacy.
He showed concerns about the international agreements like the FCTC often requiring countries to convert global commitments into domestic legislation and questioned whether this agreement aligns with Indonesia’s national interests, especially when the US, previously WHO’s biggest funder, has chosen to exit the organization altogether.
HikmahantoJuwana argued that the United States’ move to protect its policy autonomy sets a precedent for other nations, including Indonesia, to critically assess how much influence global institutions should wield over domestic matters.
He emphasized that the President’s vision of national sovereignty, embodied in the AstaCita, the eight-point vision and mission framework, should guide policy decisions. In that spirit, he cautioned against implementing the FCTC without a full understanding of its economic and social implications, particularly given Indonesia has not ratified the treaty.
Concerns have also been raised about the proposed regulation’s potential impact on the tobacco industry, a sector known for its significant employment footprint and economic contribution. The professor urged the Ministry of Health to collaborate closely with the Ministry of Trade, the Ministry of Industry, and the Ministry of Manpower before pushing ahead with the draft regulation.
HikmahantoJuwana noted that in a country where the tobacco sector plays such a critical role, any regulatory change must be carefully weighed against national conditions and the livelihoods of millions. He added that preserving policy independence is crucial, especially when external pressures may not reflect local realities.
