Non-smoking bus

Non-smoking bus

On Jan. 24, 1995 a friend and I traveled by bus from Yogyakarta to Denpasar. When we purchased the tickets the manager of the bus company assured us that the bus was air-conditioned and non-smoking.

As we both have allergies to cigarette smoke a non-smoking mode of transportation is a necessity. We hadn't even left the bus station and people, including the three bus company employees, were smoking on the bus. We asked them on two occasions not to smoke, mentioning that it was a non-smoking bus and that we were ill from the smoke. Our request fell on deaf ears.

This is not the first time in Indonesia that we have experienced this attitude of indifference towards the rights of non-smokers. Malaysia and Thailand are only two examples of Asian countries that have non-smoking buses, however the rule of no smoking is respected by all passengers -- nationals and foreigners.

I pity the bus owner as the air ducts, with continued cigarette smoking, will eventually clog up and the air- conditioning system will break down, leading to expensive repairs.

The latest development in the travel industry is non-smoking Trans-Atlantic flights by the major Airlines. If Indonesia wishes to stay progressive in the travel industry, existing non-smoking laws need to be enforced and new ones implemented that give non- smokers areas in restaurants and other public spaces.

JENNIFER EASTER

Ontario, Canada