Smoking in malls

Over the weekend of April 17 and April 18, we happened to visit three malls in Jakarta -- Plaza Indonesia, Senayan Mall and Pondok Indah Mall

While the quality, selection and prices of the goods and services offered rivaled malls in the U.S., Singapore or any other world-class city, there was one glaring difference that significantly lowered the overall mall experience.

That difference lies in the fact that although "No Smoking" signs are posted clearly and conspicuously in all of the malls, they are largely ignored. We have even noted on several occasions where mall staff and security personnel are smoking!

Why is it that the management of such high-class malls have not instructed its security personnel to be more diligent in enforcing the "No Smoking" rule? It is a well-documented fact that secondhand smoke is as dangerous as smoking directly, and it is equally well documented that the costs of maintenance in buildings which allow smoking are significantly higher than those which do not. (As an example, the next time you are in Senayan Mall Food Court, notice how disgusting the plastic food trays are, which have been used as ashtrays.)

In these days of "Reform", when is Indonesia going to start to enforce common-sense rules that are accepted standards of behavior in other developed parts of the world? Being considered "World Class" is not an honor that can be unilaterally and arbitrarily claimed, but is an accolade that is earned by demonstrating conformance to globally accepted standards in behavior, conduct and mutual respect.

May we first suggest that true reform can only result when there is mutual respect for the health, welfare and benefit of the other person, so we would ask that all smokers refrain from smoking in malls in conformance to internationally accepted standards of behavior. If they forget or are unwilling to show respect for their fellowman, woman or child, can we request that the mall management instruct its security to be more proactive in firmly but politely requesting individuals who are smoking to immediately put out their cigarettes?

On an individual basis, if you see someone smoking in the mall, why not approach them and politely point out to them that no smoking is allowed in the malls, and request that they put out their cigarette? If individual smokers are unable or unwilling to take responsibility for their actions, and the mall is unable or unwilling to enforce no smoking rules, then perhaps peer pressure will work?

PAUL D. GIAMMALVO

Jakarta