Jakarta, Nov. 4 -- An Indonesian lawmaker has urged the government to review value-added tax (VAT) on menstrual products, particularly sanitary pads, citing affordability and women's reproductive health needs.

Selly Andriany Gantina, a member of the House of Representatives' Commission VIII, said here Tuesday that the government should consider exempting menstrual products from VAT or covering the tax through state subsidies.

"Menstruation is neither a choice nor a lifestyle or a discretionary expense that can be postponed. It is a biological process that women cannot avoid," Selly said.

She said tax policies should consider their impact on groups with different needs and socioeconomic circumstances, rather than applying uniform rules ...