Indonesia's Industry Ministry Rejects Plain Cigarette Packaging Proposal
The Directorate of Industry for Beverages, Tobacco Products, and Flavorings at Indonesia's Ministry of Industry, led by Merrijantij Punguan Pintaria, publicly opposed a draft regulation that would standardise tobacco product packaging to plain designs. The objection was voiced during a public consultation on the draft Ministerial Regulation on Health (RPMK) held by the Ministry of Health on 25 May 2026.
Merrijantij warned that the standardisation could have widespread negative effects on the national tobacco sector, including challenges to intellectual‑property rights and disruption to the investment climate. The Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo) echoed these concerns, emphasizing the industry's role in employment and its links to distribution, retail, and related creative sectors, and calling for comprehensive impact studies before any policy is implemented.