The role of mayor/regent alliance on tobacco control

Abstract

Background and challenges to implementation Indonesia is an archipelago country with 415 districts and 93 cities in 34 provinces with total population of 262 million people live in this country. Ministry of Health of Indonesia with the support of International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lungs Disease (The Union) has initiate Indonesia Mayor/Regent Alliance on tobacco control and non-communicable Disease. This alliance was led by a Regent from Kulonprogo district that has influenced and advocated other leaders to protect people from the harm of tobacco use through implementing smoke free policy. Intervention or response Gaining commitment from the local leader through one on one advocacy under the leadership of Regent Kulonprogo has been worked very effective. Furthermore, build the capacity and giving technical facilitation to the local team such as health district officer, law biro and civil society in developing policy and strategy of Smoke free. Results and lessons learnt Currently there are 292 smoke free regulations in Indonesia. Direct advocacy from other leader who has implemented smoke free policy is very effective. The experience regent has become a mentor for other regent or mayor in implementing smoke free policy. They able to learn the strategy based on best practices. Follow up the commitment from the Regent/Mayor and working with local team to develop the regulation. The alliance also has power in advocating national policy. The network of mayor/regent alliance not only in Indonesia, Ministry of Health and The Union expand the network into Asia Pacific. Conclusions and key recommendations A strong leadership and commitment from the chair of Regent/Mayor Alliance on tobacco control and non-communicable disease has act as a mentor and influence other leader to implement smoke free policy. The alliance also has significant role in influence national policy especially in tobacco control.

Keywords

• WCTOH