Jakarta, Sept. 24 -- Indonesia's Ministry of Health has emphasized that curbing tobacco consumption is critical to reducing childhood stunting, noting that cigarettes remain one of the largest household expenses, often diverting money away from nutritious food.

"Spending on cigarettes can exceed spending on rice in households. This is why the government is re-regulating the use of cigarettes and electronic cigarettes," said Hanifah Rogayah, a member of the ministry's Pulmonary, Brain, and Cardiovascular Working Group, during a public discussion Wednesday.

Rogayah said smoking is not only a major health risk but also undermines the development of human resources.

She highlighted the country's high prevalence of smoking among youth. Acco...