Through the support of international non-profit organizations, IDF indirectly contributes to the national tobacco control program by introducing a harm reduction strategy.
This strategy aims to reduce health risks for millions of active adult smokers, thereby alleviating the burden on the healthcare sector. Implemented in several countries, this harm-reduction approach has proven effective in reducing spending on healthcare.
The harm reduction strategy acts as a complement to the existing national tobacco control program, providing active smokers with a tool to mitigate the health risks associated with smoking and gradually decrease their cigarette consumption. The ultimate goal is to help smokers quit smoking entirely.
Concrete progress in this field includes the successful execution of a scoping study in 2020, which assessed the economic conditions of tobacco farmers in two regions: Temanggung (Central Java Province) and East Lombok (West Nusa Tenggara).
Drawing upon the valuable insights obtained from the initial scoping study, IDF has successfully carried out a follow-up study in 2022. This study specifically examined the market and consumer characteristics of harm-reduction products in five prominent cities in Indonesia. A comprehensive comparison was made between these products and electronic cigarettes as well as combustible cigarettes.
Furthermore, IDF has striving plans to delve deeper into consumer behaviour regarding the selection of these products. This research initiative aims to explore the economic, health, and productivity implications associated with the use of these products. By conducting in-depth studies in these areas, IDF seeks to contribute to the advancement of the longstanding national tobacco control program that has been proclaimed by the government.
The ultimate goal of these research efforts is to provide valuable support for the enhancement and refinement of the national tobacco control program. Through a better understanding of the market landscape, consumer preferences, and the overall impact of harm-reduction products, IDF aims to contribute to the development of effective strategies that promote public health and reduce the harms caused by tobacco use.
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