Smoking in malls

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