Depok City Government Intensifies Smoke-Free Area Raids

The Depok City Government in West Java intensified unannounced inspections and enforcement of smoke-free areas (KTR) at several locations on Thursday (25/6/2026). The move follows up on Depok City Regional Regulation Number 2 of 2020 concerning KTR.

Deputy Mayor Chandra Rahmansyah stated the KTR raids were conducted to protect the public from exposure to cigarette smoke. The enforcement also aims to shield passive smokers and create clean air and a healthy environment.

“The KTR raid is a form of enforcement of Depok City Regional Regulation Number 2 of 2020 (an amendment to Regional Regulation Number 3 of 2014) regarding Smoke-Free Areas,” he said on Thursday (25/6/2026).

Chandra explained that the local regulation is a mandate from national legislation, specifically Article 115 paragraph (2) of Law Number 36 of 2009 on Health. This provision requires local governments to establish smoke-free area zones.

The enforcement targeted several main KTR settings. Areas prohibited from smoking activities include healthcare facilities, teaching and learning venues such as schools and campuses, children’s play areas, places of worship, public transport, workplaces, and child-friendly integrated public spaces (RPTRA).

“During the unannounced inspections carried out by the KTR Task Force and the Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP), violators will be penalised. This includes, among other things, the prohibition of smoking in restricted areas,” he said.

He stressed that the raids conducted by the Depok city task force aim to ensure smoking activities are not carried out carelessly. Residents who wish to smoke are only permitted to do so in designated places.

“People or residents who wish to smoke are only allowed in designated smoking areas or rooms that have been provided.”

During the raid, the KTR Task Force removed several cigarette advertising banners, affixed KTR stickers, and provided education to stall owners and retail shops selling cigarette products.

Several smokers were seen immediately extinguishing their cigarettes when the task force team conducted the sweep. However, residents resumed smoking after the inspection officers had left.

One smoker, Zulkifly, admitted the smoking habit is difficult to quit. He even said he would rather eat less than stop smoking.

“This is a reflection not of low independent compliance or because enforcement is temporary, but it has become a habit,” he concluded.