Only 17 out of 100 Indonesian smokers attempted to quit smoking in 2022.

The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) reports that 17 out of 100 Indonesian residents aged 10 and above who smoked in the past year attempted to quit smoking in 2022. This figure is equivalent to 17.04%.

Based on regional classification, smokers in urban areas who attempted to quit were more numerous, at 18.93%. Meanwhile, the same figure for rural smokers was 14.75%.

Quitting smoking efforts don't only involve gradually reducing consumption or completely stopping. The BPS explains that methods for quitting smoking can include counseling, nicotine replacement therapy, using traditional medicine, or other methods.

The government also provides Smoking Cessation Efforts (UBM) services for smokers at healthcare facilities, including community health centers (puskesmas). 8.13% of those who quit smoking utilized puskesmas facilities.

Both urban and rural smokers contributed relatively small numbers to this effort, at 7.65% and 8.87% respectively.

(See also: This Region Has the Highest Percentage of Smokers in Indonesia)

Another method is reprimanding smokers in non-smoking areas by residents aged 10 and above, amounting to 10.06%. This action was taken by 11.05% of urban residents and 8.71% of rural residents.

The BPS explains that smoking is harmful to health, and is one of the main risk factors for non-communicable diseases. This is because cigarettes contain 4,000 chemicals, 69 of which are carcinogenic.

"Its addictive nature makes cigarettes a challenge in achieving the SDGs and the target of fulfilling basic services in the 2020-2024 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN)," wrote the BPS in its 2022 Health Statistics report.

Borrowing a statement from the Ministry of Health, the BPS explains that smoking not only has a negative impact on health but also creates financial problems for households.

(See also: Many Indonesians Believe Cigarette Consumption in Indonesia is Alarming)