In response to the growing circulation of illegal cigarettes, Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana (UKDW) Yogyakarta collaborated with the Yogyakarta Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP DIY), Yogyakarta Customs, and the National Narcotics Agency (BNNP DIY) to hold an awareness seminar on illegal cigarettes. The event took place in the Rev. Dr. Harun Hadiwijono Seminar Room on Thursday, March 13, 2025.
Under the theme “Social Transformation: The Role of Students in Raising Awareness About the Dangers of Illegal Cigarettes,” students were encouraged to take an active role in spreading information through campus initiatives to build broader awareness of the dangers of illegal cigarettes.
Guest speakers included Intania Riza Febrianti, a Customs and Excise Compliance Officer, and Brigadier General Andi Fairan, S.I.K., M.S.M., Head of BNNP DIY.
Intania Riza explained that illegal cigarettes are those that do not comply with Indonesian regulations. These products are distributed without oversight from the Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) and Customs, meaning their contents are unknown.
“Every legal cigarette is tested to determine its nicotine, tar, and other chemical levels to ensure they stay within permitted limits. Illegal cigarettes may contain harmful substances that pose serious health risks. Additionally, legal cigarettes must bear an official excise stamp as proof of compliance with tax regulations. Cigarettes without an authentic excise stamp—or those classified as illegal—result in financial losses for the government due to tax evasion,” she explained.
She expressed hope that this seminar would increase students’ awareness and understanding of illegal cigarettes, inspiring them to become advocates for public awareness and help reduce the circulation of illegal cigarettes.
Following this, Brigadier General Andi Fairan discussed the dangers of drug abuse, noting that Yogyakarta, as a major destination for tourism and education, has become a hotspot for drug trafficking. He urged UKDW’s academic community to remain vigilant and proactive in protecting their campus, as drug syndicates may attempt to recruit insiders for distribution.
“Drug addiction often starts with mere curiosity. One of the substances to watch out for is e-cigarettes and vape liquids, which are frequently misused to contain narcotics or psychotropic substances. Recently, we even arrested a suspect using a new method—infusing marijuana into butter or spreads,” he revealed. [humasukdw/trans.drr]