P2G Calls for Strict Sanctions Against Adults Smoking in School Environments

The National Coordinator of the Association of Education and Teachers (P2G), Satriwan Salim, stated that the government needs to implement firm sanctions regarding cigarette consumption within school environments. “Efforts that can be undertaken include ensuring that students and teachers do not consume cigarettes, especially within school grounds. Furthermore, there must be strict law enforcement regarding school regulations,” Satriwan said on Tuesday.

The prohibition of smoking in school environments is already stipulated in the Ministry of Education and Culture Regulation (Permendikbud) Number 64 of 2015 concerning Smoke-Free Zones in School Environments. However, there are still individuals within schools and madrasahs—specifically adults such as teachers or academic staff—who smoke on educational premises, even in front of classrooms.

“The learning ecosystem in an educational institution appears to normalise an activity that clearly violates various regulations, namely smoking in front of students,” he remarked. This behaviour leads students to perceive smoking as something that is not a negative activity to be performed around the school. Consequently, he emphasised the importance of education, not only for students but also for teachers, parents, and the wider community, regarding the dangers of smoking. He concluded by stressing the need for law enforcement, particularly within school environments, against adults caught smoking.