Indonesia Has the Highest Per Capita Cigarette Consumption in ASEAN

Indonesia has the highest per capita cigarette consumption rate in ASEAN. According to Tobaccoatlas.org, in 2014, Indonesian citizens aged 15 and above consumed 1,322.3 cigarettes per capita per year. The Philippines ranked second with a consumption of 1,291.08 cigarettes per capita per year, followed by Vietnam in third place with 1,215.3 cigarettes per capita per year.

Low public health awareness regarding the dangers of smoking, coupled with the habit of enjoying tobacco smoke from a young age, results in Indonesia's high tobacco consumption. Some segments of the population are even willing to reduce their household budget to afford tobacco.

The Indonesian Tobacco Atlas explains that cigarettes impact poverty levels because, while not a staple food, consumption rates are high. From 2012-2017, the highest cigarette consumption (82%) was among the lowest wealth quintile. Smoking among men increased across all wealth quintiles.

Furthermore, cigarette prices contribute 11.38% to poverty in rural areas and 12.22% in urban areas. Additionally, children of smokers (chronic smokers) have an average weight 1.5 kg lower than children of non-smokers.