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The Indonesian Employers Association (APINDO) has requested the government to conduct more intensive public consultations before implementing Government Regulation Number 28 of 2024 regarding the maximum allowable content of sugar, salt, and fat (GGL) in processed foods.
 

APINDO Chairman Shinta W. Kamdani, when met in Jakarta on Monday, emphasized that this public consultation is crucial, especially to identify the challenges faced by business owners in complying with the new regulation, including the excise tax on sweetened beverages.

Shinta mentioned that APINDO has already provided input to the Ministry of Health, stressing the importance of a gradual transition in enforcing this regulation.

According to her, producers will certainly need time to adjust their products to meet the new rules, especially since changing product formulas is a lengthy process.

"This regulation cannot be implemented immediately because, given the current conditions, we do not want to add to the burden," she said.

Shinta further explained that the main objective of issuing Government Regulation No. 28/2024 is to improve public health. However, she also emphasized that public education is a crucial step in encouraging people to change their consumption behavior.

"We need to raise awareness so the public understands why these GGL restrictions are necessary," she said.

APINDO also called on the government to conduct in-depth research to ensure the effectiveness of the GGL restriction regulations.

"We can't just compare ourselves to developed countries. We need to do internal research to see if this regulation will truly help protect public health. If not, it will be pointless," she stated.

"So in my opinion, a lot of preparation and public consultation needs to be done, especially with us business actors, before this regulation can be fully enforced," she concluded.

Government Regulation Number 28 of 2024, which is an implementation regulation of Law Number 17 of 2023 on Health, was enacted on July 26, 2024, to address several health challenges, including the sugar, salt, and fat content (GGL) in food.

This regulation was issued in response to health issues such as diabetes, one of the leading causes of death globally, including in Indonesia. According to the Ministry of Health, diabetes and its related conditions, such as heart disease and stroke, are the largest burden on the National Health Insurance program.

source : https://www.antaranews.com/berita/4351895/apindo-desak-konsultasi-publik-soal-aturan-cukai-minuman-berpemanis