Jakarta, July 17 -- The Ministry of Health has emphasized its commitment to increasing the excise tax on tobacco products (CHT) to lower tobacco consumption and reduce potential health risks for the community.

"We will continue to push for the increase. In fact, our excise tax calculation method is still too complicated compared to other countries, where it is much simpler," director of non-communicable diseases at the ministry, Siti Nadia Tarmizi, said at a press conference on Thursday.

The Finance Ministry has been asked to raise the excise tax on tobacco products to reduce their affordability and finance control efforts, including promotional and preventive initiatives to reduce smoking rates, she informed.

The Health Ministry is al...