'The ban will have little effect on smokers'

The newly endorsed bylaw on air pollution also criminalizes smoking inside public buildings, a violation punishable by six months in jail and/or a fine of Rp 50 million (US$5,555). The Jakarta Post asked residents for their opinion on the issue.

Tisa Febrini, 23, is a graduate student of economics at the University of Indonesia. She lives in Cinere, Depok. She has been a smoker for more than five years:

No way it will work! No chance.

First, it will be hard to control smokers. You will need at least one person to watch over and control every 10 smokers. Do you know how many smokers there are in crowded public places?

The regulation will probably only affect me a little bit. It may mean that I cannot smoke in public places, but how about on campus or at other public places that a lot people doesn't go to.

Second, just like with other regulations, a little bribe can set an offender free.

Satrio Adi Nugroho, 25, is a lecturer in international relations at a private university in South Jakarta. He lives in Tebet, South Jakarta:

The regulation is not thorough. I think the administration failed to considerate all aspects of the community, such as their educational and economic levels.

There are millions of smokers in Jakarta with different educational and economic levels. I don't think it's reasonable a bemo (three-wheeled public minivan) driver would have to pay a fine of Rp 50 million just because they are clueless about the ban.

Also, the administration doesn't have the personnel to carry out a public campaign.

The approach from the administration in setting this regulation was partial and coercive.

To achieve the goal of banning smoking in public places will probably require improving the living standards of the people.

--The Jakarta Post