'I support a smoking ban in public places'

Indonesia is ranked 7th in the world in terms of the number of smokers, with around 70 percent of the adult population being avid smokers, experts say. Buildings, public spaces and even public transportation vehicles are all the habitual haunts of smokers. Little has been done by the government to encourage people kick the habit so far. To mark World No Tobacco Day, which falls today, The Jakarta Post took time out to talk to some people about the issue.

Dewi, 26, works as the creative director of a small print company in Tanjung Duren, West Jakarta. She lives in Mangga Dua:

I would be the first to support a ban on smoking in buildings, public places and on public transportation. I hate being the victim of second-hand smoke, and always having to inhale the smoke exhaled by others.

Some of my business colleagues don't seem to care, and even smoke during meetings in a closed room. That's really upsetting for me.

I also hate people smoking in restaurants, although some restaurants provide non-smoking areas with extractor fans. But even then, the smell gets all over my clothes.

Rizky, 20, is a student at the University of Indonesia. She lives in Bintaro, Tangerang, with her family:

I often find people smoking aboard public buses and at bus stops on my way to campus. It is very disturbing ... cigarette smoke makes me cough. However, I would never dare to say anything to them -- I'd be too afraid.

Although my university was declared smoke-free last year, you still find students smoking in the university cafeterias, for instance. Some of my lecturers even smoke in air-conditioned classrooms after they open the windows. But even opening the windows is no good -- the smoke still gets everywhere.

I would really welcome legislation banning people from smoking in public places.

--The Jakarta Post