No-smoking areas

Minister of Health Farid Anfasa Moeloek on the occasion of the commemoration of World No Tobacco Day said that the loss as a result of smoking amounted to Rp 14.5 trillion, or eight and a half times the government's expenditures in the health sector, while tobacco excise only yielded Rp 2.6 trillion (Kompas, June 2).

Moeloek's statement indicates how huge the loss is caused by smoking. In nearly all places in this country we find people who are very fond of smoking. They often do not care about nonsmokers in their vicinity who may become victims of their smoking. Our community's awareness and care are indeed very low. Care for personal cleanliness and health and the environment is greatly lacking. It is extremely hard to find clean and healthy air in crowded and public places.

It is not rare to see people smoke while they understand and know the negative impact of the habit of smoking not only for themselves but also for other people who do not smoke. Many officials, doctors, teachers and students, especially men, still smoke. Pregnant women often smoke.

Indonesia should protect the right to obtain clean air (in this case free from cigarette smoke) in public places. There should be no-smoking areas. To tell community members not to smoke is apparently the same as shouting to a heap of stones to walk by themselves. The habit cannot possibly be eradicated, therefore a gradual reduction should be practiced. There should be strict regulations in order that nonsmokers do not suffer. Sanctions against violation of the regulations must be clear and consistent, they should not be mere slogans and cheap persuasions.

LIMANTINA SIHALOHO

Surakarta, Central Java