Smoking at the airport

Smoking at the airport

I have just completed an extended business trip
which brought me to some 12 major cities throughout Europe, South
East Asia and North America.

After spending a lot of time in airports, I was appalled to
return to Jakarta to be reminded that the internationally
accepted norm of not smoking in airports has yet to reach this
beautiful country, despite claims of "reform".

Not only were passengers lighting up, but immigration
officials, airport employees and even security guards routinely
and blatantly disregarded clearly posted "no smoking" signs and
recorded voice messages further stating that smoking was not
allowed in the airport building. Having lived and worked in
Indonesia for over seven years, I am wondering when the
inconsiderate minority is going to finally recognize that there
are international standards of behavior which cut across ethnic,
religious and cultural grounds and stop smoking in airports,
restaurants and other public places.

A suggested first step would be for the airport authorities
and Indonesian government to start with their own employees and
have them set a good example by refraining from smoking. Perhaps
if they led the way, passengers would be more willing to follow
the rules.

PAUL D. GIAMMALVO

Jakarta