Your comments on the plan of the Jakarta city government to prohibit smoking inside all air-conditioned buildings in the capital.
Each human being has the right to breathe clean air unadulterated by the carcinogenic hazards of cigarette smoke. No exception. No excuse.
Philip
Surakarta, Central Java
PT HM Sampoerna Tbk. believes that the governor should not impose a total smoking ban. It will cost jobs, as smokers are unlikely to visit nonsmoking buildings to shop or to dine out; reduce productivity, as workers will be forced to smoke outside; and potentially create more tension between nonsmokers and smokers if the rules are not obeyed.
A better solution would be a national regulation that bans smoking in public places like public transportation, schools and hospitals, but gives business owners the freedom to allow smoking under appropriate circumstances in workplaces and in the hotel, restaurant and bar sector.
Chris R. Nelson
PT HM Sampoerna Tbk.
Jakarta
I totally agree, because smokers do not only kill themselves but also the people around them. Now, the question is: Can the decree implemented as effectively as expected?
Chairil Patria
Jakarta
All these decrees and regulations look so pretty on paper, but will they really be enforced?
Hadi
Surabaya
It should have been done a long time ago, but it's never too late. I absolutely agree, not only inside air-conditioned buildings but all buildings.
The Soviet Union had already done this in the early *60s when I was there, not only because it's harmful to your health but it's hazardous to others too. That's why.
E. Nurdin
Jakarta
It is all too common for restaurants in Indonesia not to enforce nonsmoking, even if they have signs prohibiting smoking.
When my wife and I visit Jakarta, we simply will not go into restaurants that allow smoking.
If someone lights up, we vote with our feet. Smokers that ignore the health and comfort of others, children in particular, are disgusting.
Nairdah
Sydney
Yes, I agree with anti-smoking movement for air-conditioned buildings, but wait: isn't that the current law that just isn't enforced? Go to Citos in South Jakarta, for example. I went for lunch recently, and had to search for a restaurant without smokers. Many of them had ashtrays at the ready. Wake up and enforce it!
Tina
Jakarta
I agree with Fauzi Bowo's decree because it is the only way to decrease air pollution and make Indonesians live healthier. It is also important to curb unnecessary spending.
Mulyadis
Bogor, West Java
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