BACKGROUND: Indonesia faces persistently high smoking rates among adolescents and adults, compounded by some of the weakest tobacco control regulations globally. Government Regulation No. 109 of 2012 introduced foundational measures but proved insufficient to curb tobacco use effectively. The adoption of Government Regulation PP 28/2024, following years of amendment efforts, represents a major step forward as the implementing regulation for the omnibus health law (Law 17/2023). This study critically analyses the new regulation’s advancements in tobacco control.
METHODS: Using the MPOWER framework, this study compares the provisions of the two regulations and evaluates newly introduced measures. The framework provides a structured approach to assess progress across six key tobacco control pillars: Monitoring, Protection, Offering help, Warning, Enforcing bans, and Raising taxes.
RESULTS: The regulation introduces several improvements:

1. Monitoring: Periodic tobacco-use surveys and integration with the National Health Information System enhance compliance and cessation efforts.
2. Protection: Ensures 100% smoke-free environments in indoor public places and workplaces, with stricter criteria for smoking areas.
3. Offer Help: Expands cessation services, including telehealth and telemedicine options.
4. Warnings: Increases pictorial health warnings on packaging from 40% to 50% and mandates standardized packaging.
5. Enforce TAPS Bans: Prohibits advertising on social media, although gaps remain in broader enforcement.
6. Raise Taxation: No new provisions are included.

Additional measures include raising the legal purchasing age from 18 to 21, banning single cigarette sales, and restricting harmful additives in tobacco products.
CONCLUSIONS: Government Regulation No. 28 of 2024 marks a significant step in strengthening Indonesia’s tobacco control efforts. While it addresses critical gaps in tobacco accessibility, cessation support, and advertising, its success hinges on effective implementation, robust monitoring, and translation into actionable regulations to sustain progress.