Jember DPRD Urged to Sanction Member for Smoking and Playing Games

The Indonesian Consumer Culture Forum (FKBI) has urged the Ethics Commission of the Jember Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD) in East Java to examine Achmad Syahri As Shiddiqi, a DPRD Jember member, who is deemed to have violated ethics by smoking and playing online games during a meeting. Achmad’s actions were recorded on camera and went viral on social media. In a widely circulated video clip, Achmad is seen smoking while casually playing an online game on his mobile phone. Meanwhile, an official seated across the table from him was discussing stunting issues. FKBI Chairman Tulus Abadi stated that the behaviour breaches the council members’ code of conduct. “This act clearly reflects irresponsibility. The Jember DPRD Ethics Commission must summon the councillor to impose administrative sanctions for violating the code of conduct,” he said in a written statement on Wednesday, 13 May 2026. Tulus also highlighted Achmad’s smoking during the meeting. According to him, smoking while discussing stunting eradication is tantamount to disrespecting the forum. “Smoking is one of the triggers for stunting, both economically and health-wise,” he remarked. Furthermore, Tulus added that in the context of smoking in an enclosed space like that, Achmad is considered to have violated Articles 150 and 151 on Smoke-Free Areas (KTR) in Law No. 17 of 2023 on Health, as well as the Regional Regulations on KTR in each province or regency and city across Indonesia. “Including the KTR Regional Regulation in East Java Province and Jember Regency,” he said. Therefore, Tulus stated that Achmad must face sanctions. Sanctions for KTR violations include administrative and criminal penalties, as stipulated in Articles 437, 447, and 448 of the Health Law. Additionally, Achmad could face criminal sanctions of up to one year imprisonment and a fine of Rp 50 million, for individuals or corporations. “Thus, the Jember DPRD member who violates the KTR rules should be subject to sanctions, both administrative, civil, and even criminal,” said Tulus. He emphasised that a public official must serve as an example to society in terms of ethics and legal compliance. “Rather than becoming a bad example for society and the younger generation. Ethical, moral, and legal sanctions need to be enforced against violators,” he said.