Musicians Ask Ministry of Health to Prepare Solutions for Potential Negative Impact of Tobacco Articles in the Health Bill on the Music Industry

Kapanlagi.com - After the pandemic, the Indonesian music scene is rising and growing rapidly. This is evidenced by the presence of many festivals and offline music concerts that quench the thirst of music lovers who have been held back for approximately two years due to the pandemic.

One musician who has felt the positive impact of the music scene after the pandemic is Aska Pratama, a member of Rocket Rockers. Along with his band, Aska said that their gig activities have started to recover.

"Alhamdulillah, gig activities have returned to normal. In fact, from what I've heard from some friends, many of them have seen their gig fees increase two to three times after the pandemic," said the vocalist and guitarist of Rocket Rockers, Aska Pratama, to journalists.

"(Currently) there are more festivals, concerts, or music platforms that can showcase the diversity of genres in Indonesia. Traditional Indonesian art is also included in the agendas of concerts or major festivals in Indonesia," he added.

1. Well-Preserved

This momentum is expected by several musicians to be well-preserved, not only from the promoter or event organizer's side but also from the Government. It is rumored that there will be various restrictions on tobacco products sponsoring music events as stated in the Draft Government Regulation (RPP) on Health.

Hearing this news, Aska disagrees with various restrictions on tobacco products stated in the tobacco articles of the Health RPP as it could disrupt the improving music industry. This is because many festivals or music concerts receive sponsorship from tobacco products. "I agree with limitations, but I don't agree with prohibitions," he firmly said.

Aska continued that if what is done is limiting tobacco products, including still allowing tobacco products to do branding, promotion, and advertising in a music performance, then it is still possible to be implemented.

He added that the most important thing is that tobacco products are not completely prohibited from doing promotions or advertisements in music performances because it could kill the sustainability of the music industry. In addition, the formulation of tobacco articles in the Health RPP should also be discussed together with cross-ministries.

2. Discussion of Intensity

"It is advisable to conduct massive and intensive discussions with stakeholders directly involved in the music industry and promoters. Also, to hold consultations with those below, not just top officials," he explained.

Separately, the Chairman of the Indonesian Music Promoters Association (APMI), Dino Hamid, expressed the same rejection of tobacco articles in the Health Draft Bill.

"Basically, as industry players, we object if these tobacco articles are passed. Because, one of the most crucial things is that we are not involved in communication and giving opinions," he emphasized.

The prohibition of tobacco products for sponsorship, branding, and advertising in the music industry has a significant impact, including for music performers in the regions. "So almost 100% of it (sponsorship from tobacco products in the regions) supports music festivals," concluded Dino.

(kpl/pur/tdr)