'Many people just ignore No Smoking sign'

'Many people just ignore No Smoking sign'

There were a million more smokers in the country in 2003, than
eight years earlier. Despite antitobacco campaigns, smokers are
"lighting up" in any place that is convenient -- buildings,
public spaces and even on public transportation. The Jakarta Post
asked a few residents for their stance on smoking in public
places.

Kuswandi, 30, is a taxi driver, who rents a house with his
family in Cipinang Besar Selatan subdistrict, East Jakarta:

I smoke around five cigarettes a day. But, I support any
effort from the government to limit smoking in public places,
such as on public transportation.

Such a regulation is needed because there are still many
smokers who are seemingly ignorant that their habit annoys
others.
A smoker, who decides to smoke on the bus, can disturb the
comfort of everyone else.

I prohibit my passengers from smoking inside the taxi. I smoke
after meals, or when taking a rest. I am trying to stop smoking,
but, so far, it's not successful.

Rosari Siahaan, 27, is a nurse at a private hospital in East
Jakarta. She lives in Klender, East Jakarta with her family:

People have become more selfish. They often smoke aboard
public buses, ignoring the other passengers. Once, a smoker told
me "take a taxi, drive your own car if you want better
conditions". That's really annoying.

I think awareness among our society of the dangers of smoking
is very low. When they see a "no smoking" sign in a public place
-- such as a mall, restaurant, even a hospital -- they seem to be
suddenly illiterate.

That is why I agree with any regulation to restrict smoking in
public places.

--The Jakarta Post