Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — An estimated 7.8 million smokers from lower-income communities in Indonesia continue to prioritize purchasing cigarettes over healthy and nutritious food. Data from Indonesia’s Central Statistics Agency (BPS) in 2023 shows that cigarettes accounted for the second-highest household expenditure after rice, making up 11.9% of spending in urban areas and 11.2% in rural regions.
Indonesia ranks among the world’s largest smoking nation, with approximately 70 million smokers. The habit persists among low-income and lower-middle-class individuals, many of whom struggle financially yet continue to prioritize cigarettes over essential food items.
For the price of a pack of cigarettes, people could buy eggs, vegetables, and rice. However, many still choose to purchase cigarettes instead of nutritious meals.
Smoking Habit Factors
This issue is not unique to Indonesia. According to CNBC Indonesia, similar patterns exist in other parts of the world, including the United States. Stanford University professor Keith Humphreys highlights several contributing factors.
Wealthier smokers have a greater chance of receiving support from their social circles to quit smoking. If they choose to move away from tobacco use, they can integrate into healthier social networks.
However, lower-income individuals often lack such supportive environments, making it harder for them to quit. As a result, smoking becomes a deeply ingrained addiction within their communities.
Keith also links smoking to depression. Nicotine triggers dopamine release, creating feelings of pleasure, relaxation, and happiness. For many low-income individuals, smoking serves as a way to escape from stress and depression, reinforcing their dependence on tobacco.
“They may also face challenges in accessing treatment for co-occurring mental health issues (such as depression), making it even more difficult to quit smoking,” Keith explained.
For wealthier individuals, smoking is often just one of many coping mechanisms. They have the financial resources to access expensive mental health treatments, reducing their reliance on cigarettes for emotional relief.
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Tobacco Company Role
Beyond individual behavior, tobacco companies also play a significant role in sustaining smoking habits, sometimes through unethical means. According to CNN International, Megan Sandel and Renée Boynton-Jarrett argued that while environmental and economic factors contribute to higher smoking rates among the poor, the tobacco industry itself is a major driving force.
Cigarette manufacturers aggressively target low-income communities, flooding these areas with cigarette advertising. The industry also strategically markets its products to young people in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods, further entrenching smoking habits among vulnerable populations.
As the debate over smokers issue in Indonesian continues, addressing both social and corporate influences will be crucial in reducing tobacco consumption especially among low-income community.
(Raidi/Agung)
