World No Tobacco Day 2025: Protecting Our Hearts Starts Now
To commemorate World No Tobacco Day (May 31), PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI), in collaboration with International SOS – Public Health & Malaria Control (PHMC), held a webinar attended by 184 participants, focusing on heart health and the impacts of tobacco use on May 30, 2025.
The session, titled “Quit Smoking for a Healthy Heart,” featured expert speakers including a cardiologist and a psychologist, who shared insights on cardiovascular health and the long-term risks associated with smoking. The event also included an inspiring testimony from an employee who shared his recovery journey from undergoing heart surgery, which involved significant lifestyle changes toward better health.
How Important Is our Heart?
Have you ever stopped to think about how tirelessly your heart works every day just to keep you alive, breathing, and moving?
This small organ, roughly the size of your fist, beats around 100.000 times per day, non-stop, pumping blood throughout your body. Sadly, unhealthy lifestyle choices – including smoking – gradually impair its vital function.
World No Tobacco Day: A Global Reminder of Tobacco’s Harm
Each year on May 31, the world observes World No Tobacco Day to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco use. Initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1987, the campaign highlights a different theme each year.
As part of this global movement, International SOS - PHMC hosted this educational webinar with contributions from a psychologist and a cardiologist to help PTFI employees better understand the impact of tobacco on cardiovascular health.
The Dangers of Smoking on Heart Health
Smoking is a major risk factor for numerous heart-related diseases such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, and stroke. According to Annual Medical Check-Up (MCU) data at PTFI Jobsite, there has been an increase in the prevalence of heart and cardiovascular diseases from 2023 to 2025. Contributing risk factors include high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, and, of course, smoking.
Dr. Setya Adhy Saputra, an MCU physician at Jobsite, emphasizedearly detection is key. Employees are encouraged to monitor their blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, and undergo advanced screenings like ECGs and treadmill tests. Those identified as high risk are given follow-up support in the form of dietary education, smoking cessation programs, and psychological counseling when needed.
Quitting Smoking Isn’t Easy, But It’s Possible
According to Asep Koswara, M.Psi., a psychologist who spoke during the webinar, explained that smoking addiction is influenced by various factors, from social pressure to environmental triggers. A lack of support and limited access to professional help can make quitting especially difficult.
However, with the right knowledge and professional guidance, quitting smoking is entirely possible. PTFI cotinues to support this effort by providing designated smoking areas and educating employees about the risks of secondhand and thirdhand smoke, promoting a healthier workplace for everyone.
Positive Steps by the Government and WHO
Leading up to this year’s World No Tobacco Day, WHO has commended the Indonesian government for its progressive step in issuing Government Regulation No. 28 of 2024. This regulation raises the minimum legal age for purchasing tobacco products to 21, bans the sale of single cigarettes, and prohibits tobacco advertising on social media, a crucial step to protect younger generations from the harmful effects of tobacco.
Quitting Smoking: An Investment in the Future
The heart is the body’s "main engine". When it fails to function properly, every organ is affected. Heart health is a reflection of our daily lifestyle choices. Quitting smoking isn’t just a decision for today; it is an investment in a healthier future.
Through this webinar, PTFI hopes to inspire more employees to take that first positive step to live healthier lives and become smoke-free.
Smoking Cessation Help
Email HealthAdvisor@fmi.com
Visit PTFI Health Facilities
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