JP/7/letter

Smoking and pollution

From Koran Tempo

I would like to respond to a news story published on Feb. 1, on page B5 of this newspaper (Koran Tempo) under the title of "Rp 50 million fine for smoking in public places."

Indeed, in terms of health maintenance, this fine is right to impose as the same thing is also done overseas. However, smoking is not a top priority when dealing with the fight against pollution in Jakarta.

Members of Jakarta's legislative council should prioritize proper implementation of public vehicle inspections to ensure that public vehicles in Jakarta do not emit to much exhaust smoke.

In this context, the performance of the highway transportation service must be audited to ensure that they are really doing their jobs.

A person smokes of his/her own choice, but someone catching a bus that, let's say, does not fulfill road safety requirements has very little choice. Firstly, because its the only public transportation that he/she can afford, and secondly, because the bus has got a valid vehicle inspection certificate and can therefore legally operated on the roads.

Many ways have been discussed to cut air pollution in Jakarta but the city's legislative council has given the green light only to fines on smoking in public places.

I am a passive smoker because I choose to live with a smoker. However, can I choose a pollution-free road if I want to cross the street? Of course not.

Jakarta's legislative councillors must take into account public priorities before proposing, approving or formulating a new regulations.

N. HERAWATI

Jakarta