New Signage to Promote Government Regulation No. 28/2024: Protecting Younger Generations from the Dangers of Cigarettes and Addictive Substances

Lentera Anak, together with the National Commission on Tobacco Control, the Indonesian Ministry of Health through the Directorate of Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (P2PTM), and other civil society partners, launched a signboard on addictive substance safety as part of the implementation of Government Regulation (PP) No. 28 of 2024 concerning the Protection of Addictive Substances.

This sign contains important messages:

  • Smoke-Free Zone, including a ban on e-cigarettes with strict sanctions.
  • Prohibition on selling cigarettes to children under 21 and pregnant women.
  • A ban on retail cigarette sales within a 200-meter radius of schools and children's playgrounds.
  • A ban on advertising, promotion, and sponsorship of tobacco products within a 500-meter radius of schools and playgrounds.

More than 271 participants from 23 provinces participated in the design development process for this sign, resulting in 489 entries being compiled and selected. This process demonstrates the community's concrete participation in supporting the protection of children and the environment from exposure to addictive substances.

To ensure its effectiveness, a survey of public understanding of the signs was conducted with 139 respondents of various ages (11–58 years old) in schools, parks, and public spaces. The results showed a high level of understanding, readability, and relevance of the signs—proving that the message is being conveyed effectively to the wider community.

“This sign is not just a symbol, but a concrete step to protect children and adolescents from the dangers of cigarettes and nicotine. Everyone has the right to know the risks and the right to live in a healthy environment.”

--- Effie, Campaign Coordinator

Lentera Anak, along with the civil society network, hopes for full support from the central and regional governments to install these signs in public spaces, schools, and other public facilities. Going forward, these signs will also be used in educational campaigns through Public Service Announcements to spread the message of protection from addictive substances more widely.