`I'm happy being away from tobacco'

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about five million people worldwide die annually from tobacco-related illnesses. The health risks associated with the habit prompted Governor Sutiyoso to announce on Monday that a bylaw was being considered to prohibit smoking in public places. In light of the health hazards, some people are trying hard to kick the habit. The Jakarta Post talked to several residents who are trying to quit.

Andre, 32, is a vendor selling soft drinks from his cart in Senayan, Central Jakarta. He lives in Jatimakmur, Pondok Gede:

I started smoking when I was in junior high school even though I realized at the time that smoking was very dangerous.

However, about two years ago I was able to drastically cut down on the amount I smoked. I had first started reducing the number of cigarettes I smoke every day.

My father is suffering from a lung problem because of his smoking habit. He is really hooked on smoking. He also is a former tobacco farmer, who was successful and for the sake of his business, he had to smoke a lot to make sure the tobacco was right.

I worry that I might also develop the same lung problem that he has if I continue smoking. That's why I rarely smoke now, despite the fact that most of my friends are addicted to nicotine and other substances.

My life has been very hard since I decided to move to the city. I would rather spend my pay on things I need to get by than on smoking.

I've even resorted to joining my friends in a robbery just to survive. So why should I spend the little money I have on cigarettes?

I'm quite happy about being in control of my smoking habit.

Widodo, 33, is an electrician specializing in wire installation. He lives in Kebon Jeruk, West Jakarta, with his wife and two children:

I started smoking when I was in junior high school even though I knew how bad smoking is for people. I was also an alcoholic at the time.

I smoked about two packs or more a day when I did not have much to do. But I didn't smoke nearly as much when I was busy.

I decided to quit when I coughed up some blood one day. Not only did that scare me, but I realized I was spending a lot of money on cigarettes.

Nobody told me to stop, not even a doctor. But I did not go cold turkey. It took me a year to be able to quit completely, and that was 10 years ago.

I just want to say to all smokers that it is up to them if they want to quit or not. It took a lot of willpower for me to quit. The least you could do is cut down on the number of cigarettes you smoke each day if you are serious about quitting.

Bambang, 32, works with a foreign manufacturer in Tangerang. He lives in Pasar Kemis, Tangerang, with his wife and daughter:

I am fully aware of the harmful effects of tobacco on our health.

I have smoked since I was in senior high school and I would smoke more than a pack a day.

I planned to quit smoking about two years ago. It's been hard, I know, but I feel that I have to.

I can't go cold turkey, but at least I can cut down on the amount I smoke. Now I only smoke one or two cigarettes a day or sometimes not even any.

Apart from financial concerns, I don't have any real reason to quit, except that I have a strong will that is telling me to do so. Smoking actually takes a real bite out of the family budget, especially for people who have to watch what they spend, like us.

I would agree to a bylaw prohibiting smoking in public areas. It's funny, but now I get annoyed with people smoking in public places.

If I could stay away from other people's smoke, I'm sure it would help me quit sooner. I think it's time for me to stop.

--Leo Wahyudi S