The Impact Of Standardized Cigarette Packaging Regulations On Producers And Consumers According To Gaprindo

The Ministry of Health is developing regulations for standardized cigarette packaging without brand identification, known as plain packaging, as part of a draft regulation. This plain packaging rule aims to create uniformity in cigarette packaging design, including size, font type, color, and the placement of brand names and manufacturer identities. The font must be Arial, and the packaging color is to match Pantone 448C.

Benny Wachjudi, the Chairman of the Indonesian White Cigarette Producers Association (Gaprindo), expressed that this plain packaging plan would eliminate all forms of product identity. "All features, colors, or logos will look the same," he stated in a comment on Sunday (March 2, 2025). Benny noted that the regulations being considered by the Ministry of Health reference the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), which many non-producing countries use to create tobacco product policies. However, Indonesia has not ratified this international agreement. "The standardization of cigarette packaging seems to be based on the FCTC, which the Indonesian government has not ratified, so it lacks a foundation," he emphasized.

Benny further explained that according to Constitutional Court Decision No. 71/PUU-XI/2013, tobacco products are legal in Indonesia. However, the plain packaging regulation would strip tobacco products of their right to promote and advertise, similar to illegal products. This policy is seen as an attempt to erase brand identity and undermine consumers' rights to receive accurate information about products and their freedom to make choices.

Tag: Benny Wachjudi Gaprindo Tobacco