Jakarta, Jan. 26 -- Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin emphasized the importance of revising national legislation as a strategy to control tobacco use in Indonesia.

The statement was made during his virtual remarks at the 8th Asia-Pacific Cities Alliance for Health and Development (APCAT) Summit here on Monday.

"To reduce both the supply and demand of tobacco, a major strategy is needed, implemented through partnerships. First, we plan to revise the national law to expand graphic health warnings, restrict advertising, ban the sale of loose cigarettes, and regulate e-cigarettes," Sadikin said.

He noted that over 80 percent of active smokers live in low- and middle-income countries, including Indonesia.

In the country, tobacco is the t...