In a concerted effort to support the national agenda for health education and promotion, the Indonesian Pulmonologists Association (PDPI) has partnered with a leading consumer health company to address the high prevalence of smoking in Indonesia. The cooperation agreement was signed on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at the PDPI office in Cipinang, East Jakarta, with Prof. DR. Dr. Agus Dwi Susanto, Sp.P(K), FISR, FAPSR, Chairman of PDPI, and Tenny Anggia Murni Pramono, Director of the company, representing their respective organizations.

The partnership aims to support the Government’s Healthy Community Movement (“Germas”) by focusing on smoking cessation efforts. Through this collaboration, PDPI will implement various health education and promotion activities designed to encourage and assist individuals in quitting smoking, thereby promoting a healthier lifestyle.

"We are pleased to join forces in addressing the smoking problem in Indonesia. With this support, we are confident in providing better solutions for those who want to quit smoking and lead healthier lives. For decades, we have been committed to raising public awareness about the dangers of smoking and reducing the number of smokers in Indonesia," said Prof. DR. Dr. Agus Dwi Susanto, Sp.P(K), FISR, FAPSR, Chairman of PDPI, during the signing ceremony.

Tenny Anggia Murni Pramono, Director of the company, remarked, "This collaboration represents a significant step in supporting the health of the Indonesian community. We believe that through a strong partnership with PDPI, we can help reduce the number of smokers in Indonesia and improve the quality of life for those who strive to quit smoking. It is an honor to support PDPI in realizing the national agenda for smoking cessation through comprehensive health education and promotion initiatives.”

Recent data from the 2023 Indonesia Health Survey (SKI) by the Ministry of Health indicates that the number of active smokers in Indonesia stands at 70 million, with children and teenagers (aged 10-18) being the primary smokers, showing a concerning prevalence rate of approximately 7.4%. Additionally, the 2021 Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) reveals that 63.4% of smokers in Indonesia want to quit but struggle to do so. These statistics underscore the urgent need for effective measures to reduce tobacco consumption in the country, highlighting the importance of pharmacological therapies, such as Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), as effective aids for a healthier lifestyle.

This partnership represents a commitment to actively promote health and support government initiatives in creating a healthier and more productive society. Through joint educational efforts, PDPI aims to make a significant positive impact on public health in Indonesia, contributing to the overarching goal of reducing smoking rates and improving the well-being of the population.