Smoking hazards

Smoking hazards

From Media Indonesia

To overcome the problem of smoking in society is not as easy as imagined. For about 45 years, since it was proved that there was a close relationship between smoking and various health hazards, there has been no substantial decrease in the number of smokers, especially in the Third World.

On the other hand, in developed countries, because of pressures from the non-smoking community and the legislative side, the number of smokers has decreased considerably. The economic capability and the level of education of society in those countries have made them mature and self-reliant, freeing them from the influence of cigarette producers who profit from the people's bad habit of smoking.

Everyone is aware of the hazards of smoking. In America, David Kessler, from the Food and Drug Administration, hinted that smoking is a pediatric illness and that the administration should protect children from being addicted to cigarettes.

The administration further suggested a ban on the sale of cigarettes to youngsters under 18 years old; the use of cigarette dispensing machines; and the sale, or distribution of items such as caps and T-shirts with drawings of cigarettes, or slogans and other symbols related to cigarettes.

The proposal is aimed at restricting activities sponsored by cigarette producers. Cigarette manufacturers should keep aside a sum of US$150 million annually for educational programs to reduce the impact of advertisements and promotion of cigarettes, which have influenced society for years. President Bill Clinton has given his full support to this proposal.

What is happening in our country, Indonesia? The government seems to be unable to do much about it, because of economic considerations -- income from cigarette sales, taxes and the problem of employment.

It is in this context that the media will have an important role to play in the effort to reduce the negative impact of smoking habits, at the cost of losing major sources of advertisements, of course. Is the media capable of facing such a consequence?

DR. RONALD HUTAPEA

Jakarta