Sugar-sweetened beverage taxation

Highlights

Indonesia is facing growing challenges with overweight, obesity, and related non-communicable diseases (NCDs). A significant factor driving the rise in overweight, obesity, and NCDs is the shift towards diets characterized by excessive consumption of foods and beverages high in fat, salt, and sugar, including sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) such as soft drinks, fruit and vegetable juices, and ready-to-drink tea and coffee. These products often contain extremely high amounts of sugar, and their consumption has increased globally, including in Indonesia, due to increased availability, low prices, and aggressive marketing. This trend has particularly impacted the health of children and adolescents, who are often the main target of advertisements and promotions for SSBs. Taxation can be a powerful tool to reduce the consumption of unhealthy products, including SSBs. This policy brief highlights how SSB taxation can be an effective strategy to prevent overweight, obesity, and NCDs, and how its implementation in Indonesia could significantly improve public health and protect children's right to a healthier future.