Former Head of Jakarta Citizens Forum (Facts), Aas Tigor Nainggolan supports the Jakarta Provincial Government to revoke the Jakarta Smart Card (KJP) for students who are caught smoking.

We support this policy

According to him, the step taken by Jakarya Acting Governor, Heru Budi Hartono, to revoke the KJP for students who smoke was correct.

"We support this policy," he asserted, Tuesday (5/9).

He explained he often saw elementary and junior high school students hanging out smoking in his neighborhood which is close to the school. It was very concerning and proof that cigarettes were very accessible to school children in Jakarta.

"The initial steps that have been taken are appropriate. They already have KJP, but still buy cigarettes instead, this is a violation," he asserted.

He also urged parents and teachers to tighten supervision of their children, thus they do not misbehave. At first, they tried smoking, then they fell into drugs and other crimes.

"They are a demographic bonus that will become the golden generation in 2045. How do we get a healthy generation, if we have been smoking since childhood," he added.

He then asked the Jakarta Government and DPRD to soon discuss and pass a Bylaw on Smoking Free Areas (KTR) to minimize smokers among school children.

This bylaw would also control and regulate the sale and advertisement of cigarettes, thus children could not see, access, let alone buy cigarettes and could not smoke anywhere.

"We have been discussing this regional regulation for 13 years, moreover they (DPRD) have not ratified it. Hopefully, it will be approved soon.l," he uterred.

Previously, Jakarta Acting Governor Heru Budi Hartono instructed the Education Agency to revoke the KJP of students who were caught smoking.

"To Education Agency, KJP must be frozen if a student is caught smoking. It can be given to other children because the Regional Government's capacity is limited," he stated.