Introductory Remarks of President Joko Widodo at the Limited Cabinet Meeting on Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, 14 June 2016, 13.00 P.M., at Presidential Office, Jakarta
Unofficial English Translation
Bismillahirrahmanirrahim,
Assalamualaikum warrahmatullahi wabarakaatuh,
Good afternoon, may prosperity be upon us all,
Indonesia is the only Asian country that did not sign or has not signed the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). Based on WHO data, until July 2013, 180 countries have already ratified and accessed FCTC and they represent 90% of worlds population.
Even so, I do not want us to only follow the trend or we join just because many countries are joining. We have to see our national interests, particularly, those related to our citizens who have health problems and also the future of our young generation. Moreover, we have to take into consideration the sustainability of tobacco farmers livelihood and the labour whose livelihood depends on tobacco industry. It is not negligible. It concerns a lot of people.
Therefore, in the limited cabinet meeting this afternoon, we should see thoroughly the aspects that I have mentioned earlier. The solution that will be taken should be really comprehensive and we should see it from all aspects, so our decision will bring benefits to all the people.
I think that is all I can say on this occasion.