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View all search resultsTransportation analysts dismiss smoking car idea
A lawmaker’s quickly dismissed proposal to revive smoking cars on trains has sparked debate over more pressing facilities that should be prioritized in public transportation, such as breast-feeding rooms and expanded spaces for people with disabilities.
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The E1060 “Mak Itam” locomotive carries tourists in Sawahlunto, West Sumatra, on Aug. 26, 2025. The German-made steam locomotive is being reused to transport tourists, but it is not operational and can only be driven by a BB 303 diesel locomotive. (Antara/Iggoy el Fitra)
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lawmaker’s quickly dismissed proposal to revive smoking cars on trains has sparked a debate over more pressing facilities that should be prioritized on public transportation, such as breast-feeding rooms and expanded space for people with disabilities.
Aditya Dwi Laksana, head of the railway forum at the Indonesian Transportation Society (MTI), told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday that there was “no urgency” for smoking areas given the clear public health risks.
The mass transportation mode, he argued, could instead utilize more essential facilities such as breast-feeding rooms, wheelchair spaces, emergency clinics, prayer rooms and toilets. “A dedicated service car like this would provide far greater benefits compared with a smoking car.”
The smoking car idea came from Nasim Khan, a member of House of Representatives Commission VI overseeing state-owned enterprises (SOEs), during a hearing with state-owned railway operator PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) last week.
Addressing KAI president director Bobby Rasyidin, the National Awakening Party (PKB) politician suggested, “Perhaps you could dedicate one car as a cafe where passengers can have coffee, and at least include a smoking area. I believe it would be useful and profitable for KAI.”
Read also: Cars over people? Sidewalk cuts in South Jakarta draw backlash
Deddy Herlambang, executive director of the Institute of Transportation Studies (Instran) called the proposal “odd and not a priority”, noting that more pressing issues, such as the KAI’s financial health, should take precedence.
