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

`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