Flowerpots replace ashtrays

Flowerpots replace ashtrays

JAKARTA: On the eve of the opening of the 10-day Annual
Session of the People's Consultative Assembly, dozens of new
flower pots decorated the spacious building on Wednesday, from
the entrance to the plenary session chambers.

But while janitors cleaned the floor, some people innocently
threw their cigarette butts onto the tiles. Other smokers
displayed respect for the janitors by putting out their
cigarettes in the flower pots.

Not a single ashtray can be seen in the building, although it
has become common practice for Assembly legislators to spend
their time out smoking.

"I'd rather smoke outside," said the driver of a legislator
from the United Development Party (PPP), who was waiting for his
boss. Flower beds near him were full of cigarette butts. -- JP