Smoking banned at school

KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: The local education office is calling for a smoking ban in schools throughout the province, "from kindergarten through to all universities".

Joshua Cornelis Mbeo told The Jakarta Post his office will launch the campaign against smoking in schools on May 2, to coincide with National Education Day and the campaign to promote mandatory schooling awareness.

Stefanus Lone, the principal of the Senior High School (SMU) I in Kupang, supported the ban and called on teachers to smoke in areas that are not easily visible to students.

"If everyone really follows the rules, then we can reach the goals of a more successful and longer life," he said.

Antonius Felik Mesak, the principal of Kupang Economic High School (SMEA), also supported the campaign. Fellow teacher Samuel Dima said supervision and continued commitment are keys to success in the campaign.

A resident called on bishops, priests, Buddhist monks and ulemas to support the smoking ban in their respective places of worship. (yac/01)