Public support for cigarette price increase in Indonesia.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Economics
• Tobacco Control

Background:

• Current tobacco control policies in Indonesia have proven ineffective in reducing tobacco consumption.
• Increasing cigarette prices is recognized as an effective policy instrument for tobacco control.
• There is a need for evidence to support government and policymaker decisions regarding cigarette pricing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess public support for cigarette price increases in Indonesia.
• To generate scientific evidence to inform government and policymakers on tobacco pricing strategies.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was conducted.
• Data were collected via telephone interviews with 1000 Indonesian respondents aged 18 years and older.
• Interviews were conducted between May 1, 2018, and May 31, 2018.

Main Results:

• 87.9% of respondents, including 80% of smokers, support cigarette price increases to deter youth smoking.
• 74.0% of smokers indicated they would quit smoking if prices reached Rp70,000 (US$5) per pack.
• Multivariate analysis identified age, income, daily cigarette expenditure, and perception of current prices as key factors influencing support for price hikes.

Conclusions:

• Broad societal support, including from active smokers, exists for increasing cigarette prices.
• Consistent government adjustment of cigarette prices via excise taxes and retail pricing mechanisms is recommended.
• A unified understanding among stakeholders is needed to recognize that higher cigarette prices enhance overall quality of life.