Smoking in Indonesia by the Numbers

Continuous Increase in Indonesian Smokers, Projected to Reach 123 Million by 2030

Based on the report “Mayoritas Negara Mengalami Penurunan Jumlah Perokok dalam Sedekade ke Depan, Kecuali Indonesia” by databoks, compiled by our company,

German data collection and visualization company Statista has forecasted that while the number of smokers will decrease in many countries over the decade starting in 2021, Indonesia will see an increase instead.

According to the report, the number of smokers in Indonesia stood at 112 million in 2021 and is projected to rise to 123 million by 2030. With Indonesia’s population estimated at 273.8 million in 2021 and projected to reach 285 million by 2030 (according to the Central Statistics Agency), the percentage of smokers in the total population is expected to increase from 40.9% to 43.2%.

Indonesia is known for having the world’s highest male smoking rate, exceeding 70%. Despite repeated tax hikes, the number of smokers has not decreased. Contributing factors include the widespread visibility of adults smoking, which influences younger generations, the low cost of cigarettes (approximately ¥200–¥300 per pack, or about $1.30–$2.00 at an exchange rate of ¥150 to $1*), and the fact that cigarettes are also sold individually.

The Indonesian government is considering banning the sale of individual cigarettes to protect public health. However, this move faces opposition, particularly because such a regulation would impose financial burdens on low-income individuals.

*Exchange rate note: All yen conversions are based on an approximate rate of ¥150 to $1.

A Visual Look at Smoking in Indonesia

Cigarettes as a Social Essential

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In Indonesian social settings, cigarettes are indispensable. Men can often be seen smoking while drinking sweet coffee with friends or colleagues in cafés, at work, on street corners, or in park corners. It is a common sight to see construction workers or engineers hired for appliance repairs smoking while working.

At gatherings of neighbors or relatives, large quantities of cigarettes are often prepared for everyone to share. For many Indonesians, cigarettes are as essential as drinking water or tissues — items that must be present.

Children observing these adults grow up seeing smoking as a normal part of daily life.

Tobacco Commercials in Indonesia

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In Indonesia, it is prohibited to depict the use of tobacco products in tobacco advertisements.

This particular video features a male singer composing music and performing on stage, delivering the message: “Turn your passion into your work and enjoy living your authentic life.”

At the bottom of the screen, the word “SIGNATURE” appears subtly — the name of a well-known cigarette brand. Any Indonesian viewer would immediately recognize it as a tobacco commercial, though someone unfamiliar might find the video puzzling.

Can Indonesia Reduce Its Number of Smokers?

Japan has a history of various efforts aimed at reducing the number of smokers and eliminating health hazards from secondhand smoke exposure for non-smokers.

Indonesia is just beginning to take similar steps. In reality, regulations surrounding cigarette sales are gradually tightening, and posters warning about the dangers of smoking are now commonly displayed in clinics and hospitals. Additionally, more restaurants are adopting smoking and non-smoking sections.

However, Indonesia also ranks among the world’s leading tobacco-producing countries. Due to the significant economic impact of the tobacco industry, the government has yet to establish a clear long-term vision for reducing tobacco use.