'How can they ban smoking in buses?'
To ensure cleaner air in the city, the administration has endorsed a bylaw which criminalizes smoking in enclosed public places and encourages building operators, restaurants, hotels and malls to pay more attention to the needs of non-smokers. The Jakarta Post asked some people for their opinions on the issue.
Aulia, 23, is a writer of fiction books. She lives with her husband in Kalibata, South Jakarta:
I support the new bylaw and believe that the punishments for those who smoke in public places should be as heavy as possible as they are endangering the health of other people.
As things stand, however, I think that a fine of Rp 50 million is quite low compared to the damage they cause.
Controlling smoking in restaurants and other buildings is not that difficult as the city administration can require the owners to put up signs or provide special rooms for smokers.
However, enforcing the regulations on public transportation vehicles will be difficult. I cannot imagine how they will keep a watch on every bus and train in the capital.
I believe that real issue is whether the new regulations will be enforced as we already have many good laws and bylaws, but they are never enforced.
Mutiara, 24, is a lecturer at the Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic Institute in Ciputat, South Jakarta. She lives with her family in Bogor:
I've had several bad experiences with people smoking on board public transportation vehicles. I always take a bus or train to work, and I get very nauseous if the passengers beside me smoke.
They normally pretend not to notice my loud coughing and wheezing.
So, I very much agree with the enactment of the bylaw. I just don't understand why it will take a year before the regulation comes into effect. The sooner the better, that's what I say. And the heavier the sanctions, the more effective the bylaw will be.
I think we are way behind other countries. Smoking is banned in enclosed public places in most countries. However, better late than never.
--The Jakarta Post