Man's smoking claims his wife's life

Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang

In an apparent desperate protest against her husband's smoking, a 25-year-old resident of Kadu Jaya village, Curug district, Tangerang regency, set herself ablaze on Friday. She died later in hospital of severe burns.

The husband recalled that earlier in the day he had smoked in front of his wife, who became very upset.

The wife, identified as Sumiati, then went to the kitchen and came back with kerosene and matches.

"I tried to stop her from setting herself on fire but she wouldn't listen to me," said the 35-year-old employee of an engineering factory.

Sumiati was immediately rushed to the Tangerang General Hospital for medical assistance. However, due to inadequate facilities at the hospital, she was later transferred to the Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital in Central Jakarta where she finally died.

Tangerang police detectives' deputy chief Insp. Kustanto said he presumed Sumiati's action was triggered by the couple's financial problems.

"It doesn't make sense that a wife would set herself ablaze just because she hates to see her husband smoking a cigarette," said Kustanto.

A pack of cigarette costs in the range of between Rp 4,000 (47 U.S. cents) and Rp 10,000, similar to the price of a meal in a low-cost food stall.