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