City plans to restrict smoking

The Jakarta city administration plans to prohibit smoking in public places such as public transit, and government and private buildings this year.

Governor Sutiyoso said Monday he is still preparing the legal structure of the policy, which could come in the form of a gubernatorial decree or a bylaw.

"Hopefully, the public places will be tobacco free by the end of this year. I hope that the policy will receive support from the public," he added.

Sutiyoso said that for the first phase in implementing the policy, he may require all building owners to provide an isolated place for smokers so that their habit will not disrupt other people.

Sutiyoso said he also planned to issue a decree limiting the age of visitors to discotheques and some other venues - a common policy in a number of countries.

"If other countries can impose tobacco free zones and limit the age of visitors to night clubs, why can't we do it here?" he said.

Currently, there are many private buildings which ban employees from smoking in certain areas, but the policy is not popular among government offices, with the exception of the health department. --JP