Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids Mourns the Passing of Geni Achnas, a Visionary Advocate for Public Health in Indonesia
Statement of Yolonda C. Richardson, President and CEO of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids
March 19, 2026
Washington, D.C. – The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids mourns the passing of Geni Achnas, a longtime public health advocate and champion for tobacco control in Indonesia. Geni served as Tobacco-Free Kids’ advocacy lead for tobacco control efforts in Indonesia, bringing visionary leadership and thoughtful strategy to advancing strong public health policies across Indonesia.
She was instrumental in supporting Indonesian groups to champion policies bringing greater public health protections to millions of Indonesians and set the standard of what true advocacy looks like.
Widely respected across the global health community, Geni earned trust through integrity and unwavering purpose. She brought people together – across faiths, cultures and continents. Geni was a fearless advocate, unafraid to take on the toughest public health challenges, even when the path forward was uncertain.
Prior to her work in tobacco control, Geni fought for human rights and brought this experience to her work in public health. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives made better by her work and in the community of advocates she helped to build and guide for decades.
The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, the Indonesian tobacco control community and public health advocates around the world continue our fight for a healthier future in her honor.