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View all search resultsProtect Indonesian children from tobacco addiction
His unbelievable smoking habit gained wide coverage from national and international media outlets, with Indonesia considered a dangerous smoking zone for its underage population.
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T
en years ago, Aldi Suganda, who hails from an impoverished village in Banyuasin, South Sumatra, became a global virtual sensation—in a notorious way. In video footage, the then-2-year-old Aldi was depicted chain-smoking gleefully as he was surrounded by adults who laughed and clapped as they watched him as a baby smoker who consumed at least 40 cigarettes (four packs of cigarettes) every day.
His unbelievable smoking habit gained wide coverage from national and international media outlets, with Indonesia considered a dangerous smoking zone for its underage population.
“I’ve quit smoking and I’m totally free of any toxic tobacco influence. I’m healthy now. I beg my friends to stop smoking,” the 12-year-old Aldi shared his experience during a webinar held in conjunction with World No Tobacco Day on May 31.
The Health Ministry jointly organized the event with the Association of Health Offices, WHO Indonesia, APCAT and the International Union Against TB and Lung Health (the Union).
Aldi recalled when he was still an active smoker he frequently experienced shortness of breath, coughing and had chest pains.
Medical experts touted that smoking at an early age was deeply concerning because children and adolescents were still growing physically and their brains were still developing.
Tobacco use in teenagers and young adults can cause both immediate and long-term harm, including reduced physical fitness.
