TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Health Minister Nafsiah Mboi received four letters delivered by state officials concerning the ratification of the Framework Convention of Tobacco Control (FCTC). The officials include the State Secretary Sudi Silalahi, Industry Minister M.S. Hidayat, Trade Minister Gita Wirjawan, and Employment and Transmigration Minister Muhaimin Iskandar.
"The letters request [the Health Ministry] to reconsider its plan on ratifying [the FCTC]," said Nafsiah.
In his letter, Sudi Silalahi requested every ministries to consider the effects of the ratification. Meanwhile, M.S. Hidayat requested Nafsiah put local cigarette industry into consideration before ratifying the FCTC.
Nafsiah argued that the ratification on FCTC will not ban and eliminate cigarette industry. She emphasized that the FCTC content merely aims to anticipate the increasing number of smokers.
She added that the Health Ministry has sent the ratification plan President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.
IRA GUSLINA SUFA