'How can they ban smoking in buses?'<\/p>\n
To ensure cleaner air in the city, the administration has
\nendorsed a bylaw which criminalizes smoking in enclosed public places and
\nencourages building operators, restaurants, hotels and malls to
\npay more attention to the needs of non-smokers. The Jakarta Post
\nasked some people for their opinions on the issue.<\/p>\n
Aulia, 23, is a writer of fiction books. She lives with her
\nhusband in Kalibata, South Jakarta:<\/p>\n
I support the new bylaw and believe that the punishments for
\nthose who smoke in public places should be as heavy as possible
\nas they are endangering the health of other people.<\/p>\n
As things stand, however, I think that a fine of Rp 50 million
\nis quite low compared to the damage they cause.<\/p>\n
Controlling smoking in restaurants and other buildings is not
\nthat difficult as the city administration can require the owners
\nto put up signs or provide special rooms for smokers.<\/p>\n
However, enforcing the regulations on public transportation
\nvehicles will be difficult. I cannot imagine how they will keep a
\nwatch on every bus and train in the capital.<\/p>\n
I believe that real issue is whether the new regulations will
\nbe enforced as we already have many good laws and bylaws, but
\nthey are never enforced.<\/p>\n
Mutiara, 24, is a lecturer at the Syarif Hidayatullah State
\nIslamic Institute in Ciputat, South Jakarta. She lives with her
\nfamily in Bogor:<\/p>\n
I've had several bad experiences with people smoking on board
\npublic transportation vehicles. I always take a bus or train to
\nwork, and I get very nauseous if the passengers beside me smoke.<\/p>\n
They normally pretend not to notice my loud coughing and
\nwheezing.<\/p>\n
So, I very much agree with the enactment of the bylaw. I just
\ndon't understand why it will take a year before the regulation
\ncomes into effect. The sooner the better, that's what I say. And
\nthe heavier the sanctions, the more effective the bylaw will be.<\/p>\n
I think we are way behind other countries. Smoking is banned
\nin enclosed public places in most countries. However, better late
\nthan never.<\/p>\n
--The Jakarta Post<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/how-can-they-ban-smoking-in-buses-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }