`I smoke when I'm alone or in a bad mood'

In line with the World Health Organization's (WHO) implementation of the Framework Convention for Tobacco Control in 1996, the Indonesian government has issued a regulation stipulating that cigarette manufacturers limit their advertising as well as print a health warning on packages. However, this has not deterred smokers from lighting up as recent data shows that about 70 percent of the population still smoke. The Jakarta Post talked to several smokers about the issue.

Endah, 27, is a housewife with one son. She lives with her family in Srengseng, West Jakarta,:

I heard about World Antitobacco Day last week. It was a good way to get the message out to people worldwide about the dangers of smoking.

But I will not give up smoking because if I quit, it means that cigarette manufacturers will stop making cigarettes.

And if we all stopped stopping, it could lead to manufacturers going bankrupt and thousands of employees being laid off.

In addition, expensive hospitals would likely lose their heart and lung cancer patients, right?

These are probably the excuses of those who are hooked on smoking.

I started smoking when I was in senior high school despite knowing the health risks.

It is almost impossible to stop the habit because I usually smoke when I'm alone or in a bad mood. Smoking can make housewives like me relax.

Actually, if I had to stop smoking, I'm sure I could do it, particularly if I had a job. Having something to do would help me not reach for a cigarette.

I don't have any financial problems because my husband supports my habit.

Punto Dewo, 52, is an artist living with his parents in Pondok Labu, South Jakarta:

I am fully aware that smoking is harmful to our health, but I am just confused with the results of research done on it.

Some researchers are clearly dead set against smoking due to the deadly content of cigarettes. On the other hand, other studies have focused on the positive side of smoking.

I prefer to listen to my own views in this case, despite the fact that I usually spend quite a lot on cigarettes to get rid of the tension that builds up when I'm creating artwork or writing short stories.

When I am around fellow artists, I tend to smoke a lot because it is far better to do that than just be a passive smoker.

I can afford to buy cigarettes. I am sure I can quit smoking at anytime, as long as it is something I want to do.

In this case, having enough willpower to control my habit is my biggest concern, not my health.

Jose, 32, is unemployed and living in Rawamangun, East Jakarta, with his wife and daughter:

I know full well that smoking is a very dangerous habit that could wreck our health, but that does not mean I'm going to stop.

I just remember what my uncle said a few years ago. He said that smoking was okay as long as we had other good habits, such as playing sports and eating healthy food.

In fact, what he said was true. He is still kicking even though he is in his nineties now. I am sure I will live that long, too, if I do the same.

Not only that, but I haven't had any health problems from smoking. I get regular checkups that show my lungs are in good condition.

I smoke only one pack a day. I don't worry about how much I spend on them, because I consider cigarettes to be a part of my daily necessities. Cigarettes are as important as spending money on groceries.

I don't agree with the idea to prohibit smoking in public, as that goes against our human rights.

-- Leo Wahyudi S