Smoking restriction

Herawati (The Jakarta Post, Feb. 16) misses the point about smoking restrictions. True, the smoker makes the decision whether or not to smoke, but his fellow passengers have no such choice. Like Herawati at home, they have to endure an unhealthy smoky environment whether they like it or not.

The existence of more serious environmental problems doesn't mean that the smoking problem should be put on hold. That's a recipe for never doing anything. Banning smoking in public places and especially on public transportation will only bring Indonesia up to the level of other countries. Along with an advertising ban it will reduce the level of acceptability of smoking. Young people will be less likely to start smoking, and smokers will smoke less.

It is difficult to see any disadvantages to the proposal. Let's ban smoking in public and help make a better environment for everyone!

TONY GRACE Jakarta