About Manik Marganamahendra
Manik is a fearless tobacco control advocate and social activist from Bogor, Indonesia, whose unwavering dedication to social justice began in high school and deepened during his time at the University of Indonesia. While at the university, he championed and helped amplify the voices of marginalized communities.
Manik’s leadership in the tobacco control movement began nearly a decade ago as a member of the university’s school of public health, where he learned of the tobacco industry’s influence on national policies. He led protests and petitions that mobilized thousands of students to help defeat legislation that favored the tobacco industry and threatened to undo public health protections.
Now, Manik serves as Executive Director of the Indonesia Youth Council for Tactical Changes (IYCTC), an organization founded on the principle of meaningful youth participation that ensures young people play an active role in policymaking. IYCTC has been recognized by the Ministry of Health as a key partner in drafting guidelines banning tobacco advertisements, promotion and sponsorship for digital media. He also led the mobilization of 55 youth organizations across 34 regions as part of a nationwide movement for a smoke-free Indonesia.
Manik and IYCTC brought youth voices to the fore in building government and public support for new policies in 2023 and 2024 that mandate smoke-free public places, pictorial warning labels, standardized packaging, and bans on single stick sales and point of sale advertising.
Through his leadership and advocacy, Manik continues to advance policies and empower young people to shape a healthier future for Indonesia. His leadership is critical in a country that is the second largest cigarette market and has some of the highest smoking rates in the world.
