BERHENTI MEROKO SMOKING CESSATION INDONESIA
Community-based public meetings
Volunteers from a local university
Monitoring success through follow up
The results
Berhenti Merokok program video
Combating Smoking in Indonesia Through Song: A Simple, Effective Approach
In Indonesia, where an estimated 80 million smokers light up every day, the fight against smoking is especially challenging. Cigarette advertising aggressively targets young people, with some brands offering flavors like chocolate and strawberry, and even handing out free samples at concerts. Cigarettes are highly affordable, sometimes sold individually at small roadside kiosks, making them easily accessible. Despite the widespread prevalence of smoking, there are very few resources or programs available to help smokers quit.
Many smokers want to stop but simply don’t know how. Our solution? A song that integrates a simple, yet powerful smoking cessation method to help smokers quit without significant withdrawals, and without the need for chemicals or advanced technology.
The Power of Music in Smoking Cessation
In 2017, we created a song with lyrics outlining a 24-day method to gradually reduce cigarette consumption. By following this simple plan, smokers could quit without experiencing the intense cravings and physical withdrawals that typically accompany smoking cessation. The method was designed to be straightforward and accessible, requiring nothing more than commitment from the individual.
The song became the central tool in our campaign. Its lyrics explained the gradual reduction process, while the melody helped make this critical health information more memorable and engaging. But we didn’t stop there.
Reaching the Community of Mangunsari
We introduced this smoking cessation program to the village of Mangunsari in Salatiga, Indonesia, where we conducted a series of meetings in the homes of village elders. These gatherings became spaces for education and empowerment. University volunteers, trained in smoking cessation methods, played a crucial role in spreading our message.
Each volunteer shared their knowledge about smoking and its harmful effects, often personalizing the message by telling the stories of family members lost to smoking-related diseases. These stories added a personal and emotional dimension to the campaign, creating a connection that made the issue more real for the attendees.
How the Program Worked
At each meeting, we provided attendees with a lyrics sheet so they could follow along as the song was played. This made it easy for them to absorb the key points of the reduction method in a fun and engaging way. After the song, we handed out small paper calendars to participants, encouraging them to track their progress over the 24-day period. The calendar was more than just a tool—it symbolized a commitment to change and public acknowledgment of their desire to quit. Participants were also asked to leave their contact details for follow-up, which allowed us to track their progress and provide continued support.
Positive Results
After conducting several follow-up surveys, we discovered that 25% of participants who took the smoking cessation calendar had successfully quit smoking using our method. While this may seem modest, in a country where smoking is deeply entrenched in the culture, it’s an encouraging start. Our method demonstrated that, even in places with limited resources, change is possible with the right combination of education, support, and accessible tools.
A Simple Solution for a Complex Problem
By using a song, we not only provided a simple smoking cessation method, but we also created a sense of community support. It’s clear that when health solutions are accessible, engaging, and culturally relevant, they can be incredibly effective—even in challenging environments like Indonesia.
We’re proud of the impact we’ve had so far, but the journey to a smoke-free Indonesia is far from over. Our success in Mangunsari shows that with creativity and determination, we can continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people who want to quit smoking.