The article of Julia Suryakusuma (The Jakarta Post, June 4, p. 7) is one of the latest articles and news reports on how to control smoking in Indonesia. I refer also to John Hargreaves' letter (the Post, June 6, p. 7) concerning the same issue.

I am an ex-smoker of a 40-year habit (much to my disgrace) but, since I stopped in 2002, I just can't stand the smell any more. I was given a very short treatment for just two days by a Muslim homeopath in New Delhi and I have lost even the cravings now.

While I sympathize with smokers about the urge to smoke when and where they like, I wish to point out that most civilized people have consideration for others and are law abiding.

Most hotels reek of cigarette smoke with the exception of 5 star-rated facilities which have powerful exhaust fans and air cleaners.

In our country (India), thanks to a sustained campaign at school level, most young people don't smoke. What is distressing in Indonesia is that many young girls and boys are already addicted.

However, outside Jakarta and Bali, like in Makassar in South Sulawesi and Manado in North Sulawesi, the impact seems less pronounced. People there smoke in public places, in enclosed rooms, and no one seems to mind.

In my hotel, I had caught people smoking in the elevator and when I told them to put out their cigarettes, the others said "no problem"! So, guests smoke in non-smoking floors -- even in non-smoking rooms.

Hotel staff are in a quandary because they can't be hostile toward the goose which lays golden eggs. In Bali, foreign visitors smoke relentlessly but, luckily, places are open unlike in Jakarta. Foreigners are also more disciplined, and won't smoke if it is forbidden -- like inside a cab etc.

I agree with John, in that oppressive measures won't work when most of your top politicians are addicted themselves. What is needed is a sustained educational program at schools, and putting a stop to the glamorization of smoking on TV and in other media.

As a result of my 40 year habit, I have mild peripheral arterial disease, but I manage with all kinds of exercises etc. I don't wish to elaborate on the evil effects which are well known.

For all smokers, my plea is this only: Kick it!

I had a friend whose son was a smoker. He told him "Son, if you can give me one good reason why you like smoking, please continue. If you have two, I shall also join you and take up smoking".

M. SEETHARAM

Kuta, Bali

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