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Tug of War on Excise on Sweetened Drinks

The postponement of the imposition of MBDK excise rates certainly disappoints health practitioners. Even though the plan to impose excise on MBDK is a progressive policy, it is believed that it will be effective in controlling the consumption of sweet drinks. Suddenly the government again postponed the implementation of excise on sweetened drinks in packaging or MBDK. The policy intended to control the increase in the number of people suffering from obesity and diabetes has been postponed until next year. That is, if it is not postponed again. Actually, through Presidential Regulation Number 130 of 2022 regarding the Details of the State Budget for the 2023 Fiscal Year, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has instructed the Ministry of Finance to implement excise taxes on MBDK products starting this year.

The Nobel Prize and Our Minimal Research Budget

The complaints of our academics and researchers are that they are often bothered with administrative matters rather than the substance of their research. Recently the winners of the 2023 Nobel prize were announced. Jon Fosse won the Nobel for literature; Katalin Kariko and Drew Weissman for medicine; Pierre Agostini, Ferenc Krausz, and Anne L’Huillier for physics; Moungi G Bawendi, Louis E Brus, and Alexei I Ekimov for chemistry; and Narges Mohammadi for peace. The announcement of this year's Nobel Prize coincides with the news of the failure of the Indonesian badminton team at the Asian Games in Hangzhou. This nationally beloved sports team has been unable to win even a single medal, not even bronze.

Towards Quality Generation 2045

The demographic bonus is an important capital for Indonesia to become a developed country in 2045. However, the threat of climate change, as well as geopolitical problems, need attention so that the dream of becoming a developed country can be realized. This August, we are once again commemorating the independence of our country proclaimed by Soekarno and Mohammad Hatta in 1945. What have we achieved at the age of 78? A number of data can be disclosed, both those that have been achieved and those that have not yet been achieved. Usually, in points that have failed or not succeeded yet, we will justify it by saying, "we will make it a lesson". However, there is something no less important than evaluating what has happened, which is what we intend to target when we reach the age of 100 later?

Why Do You Enjoy Going Overseas for Treatment?

The large number of Indonesian citizens seeking treatment abroad has resulted in Indonesia losing around US$11.5 billion in foreign exchange, or the equivalent of Rp.170 trillion per year. Are our health services still not of high quality? In terms of medical treatment, our upper middle class includes those who like go abroad for treatment. It's not just medical treatment to cure serious illnesses, such as cancer, but also for medical check-ups or check-ups, many Indonesian citizens are keen to go abroad. Of course this only applies to those who are financially able because the costs are definitely more expensive than in their own country. This is what makes President Joko Widodo confused and concerned. A few months ago, the President complained about approximately 2 million Indonesian citizens seeking medical treatment overseas every year. Around 1 million people go to Malaysia, approximately 750,000 go to Singapore, and the rest to Japan, America, Germany, and other countries.

Sugar and the Threat for Health

Kompas has reported its series of investigations showing that the current national consumption of sugar is so excessive that it is considered dangerous. As a result, the number of diabetics has increased, and the cost of treatment has also increased. Data from BPJS Kesehatan, wrote Kompas, shows that over the last five years (2018-2022), the total cost of claims for patients participating in BPJS Kesehatan who are diagnosed with diabetes has continued to increase. In 2018, diabetes patients needed a total cost of IDR 4.9 trillion from BPJS funding, and in 2022 this figure will increase to IDR 6.4 trillion. Wihout realizing it, excessive sugar consumption, which has become a long-standing habit, poses a hidden danger. Day by day, our society consumes increasingly higher amounts of sugar while simultaneously engaging in less physical activity. This excessive calorie intake, particularly from sugar, combined with a lack of physical exercise, contributes to obesity and various inherited diseases like diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and heart disease.