Mataram, University of Mataram – In support of the government’s efforts to control the health risks associated with cigarette smoking, the University of Mataram (Unram) through its Master’s Program in Public Health collaborated with the Udayana CENTRAL Research Centre of the Faculty of Medicine at Udayana University to organise a workshop titled “Strengthening Cigarette Control Programs for Health in West Nusa Tenggara Province (NTB)” The workshop took place on Thursday, 3 July 2025, at Building C of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FKIK) at Unram.

This activity represents the participation of academics and health advocates aimed at building a shared commitment to cigarette control for health in NTB.

The workshop was officially opened by the Governor of NTB, represented by Assistant III of the NTB Regional Secretariat, Hj. Eva Dewiyani, SP. In her remarks, she expressed appreciation to all parties involved in the organisation of this event.

“On behalf of the Government of West Nusa Tenggara Province, I would like to express my appreciation to FKIK Unram for collaborating with the Faculty of Medicine at Udayana University, as well as all parties who contributed to the success of this event. Especially to the event organisers who continue to support the government’s efforts to mitigate the harmful effects of tobacco consumption on public health,” she explained.

Furthermore, Hj. Eva Dewiyani, SP., emphasised that this issue requires serious attention and systematic, sustainable, and collaborative intervention.

“This workshop is an important opportunity for us to strengthen our collective commitment to cigarette control in NTB. The government recognises that the success of cigarette control programs depends heavily on strong synergy between government agencies, including the active role of relevant departments and local authorities, contributions from academics, professional organisations, health associations, support from the private sector, and civil society,” she explained.

“One concrete manifestation of this commitment is the role of the Health Department collaborating with the Local Police Unit (Satpol PP) in coordinating, conducting training, and overseeing the implementation of smoke-free zones in various strategic environments. Additionally, other relevant local government agencies also play a role in establishing internal oversight and implementing smoke-free zones within their respective institutions,” she added.

The Vice Rector for Planning, Cooperation, and Information Systems at Unram, Prof. Akmaluddin, S.T., M.Sc.(Eng.), Ph.D., emphasised in his remarks that Unram has a principle regarding cigarette control.

“Our principle as a higher education institution is to prohibit or not allow smoking activities within educational areas or campuses. And even if it is permitted, specific areas must be prepared to accommodate smokers,” he explained.

Prof. Akmaluddin also stated that Unram will adopt the best possible stance during the workshop.

“Higher education institutions will certainly take the best possible position in this workshop, as tobacco and cigarettes are two interconnected issues—on one hand, they are considered harmful to health, but on the other hand, they generate significant revenue. Therefore, we hope there will be the best possible solution to these conflicting and opposing issues so they can be reconciled,” he explained.

dr. Putu Ayu Swandewi Astuti, MPH, Ph.D., as Chair of Udayana Central, stated in her opening remarks that this workshop serves as a facilitator in cigarette control efforts in NTB.

“We aim to facilitate and assist in strengthening efforts to mitigate the harmful effects of smoking in the Province of NTB. Globally and at the national level, efforts have been made to control smoking, such as the Health Law No. 17 of 2023, which includes measures to control smoking behaviour. This has been further detailed in Government Regulation No. 28 of 2024, which also regulates certain technical aspects of the regulations that can be strengthened in our efforts to control the impacts of smoking,” she elaborated.

During this workshop, a joint commitment to cigarette control in NTB was also signed. The signing was done by the Governor of NTB, the Vice Rector IV of Unram, the Dean of FKIK Unram, the Head of Udayana Central, and some other officials who were there.

The event was divided into two sessions. The first session consisted of presentations and a Q&A session with four presenters from various relevant agencies. The second session featured a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) focused on action plans or activity plans for cigarette control, the role of government agencies, timelines, funding, and monitoring and evaluation.

This workshop is expected to produce strategic formulations through discussions regarding strengths and weaknesses, as well as opportunities and challenges related to the high smoking rates in NTB. This aims to strengthen the collective commitment of stakeholders and interested parties for the benefit of the NTB community, to reinforce efforts to control the impacts of smoking behaviour.