Draft Bylaw to Control Smoking in Public Spaces

The Jakarta Provincial Government together with Jakarta Council (DPRD) is formulating a draft bylaw (Raperda) related to smoking control. 

"The smoking draft bylaw does not mean smoking is prohibited,"

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung stated that the principle of this smoking draft bylaw is not to ban smoking, but to regulate smoking activities in public spaces.

Therefore, special facilities for smokers will be provided in these places.

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"The smoking draft bylaw does not mean smoking is prohibited, no. But people cannot smoke in public spaces with many people," said Pramono in Muara Angke, North Jakarta, on Thursday (6/12).

Furthermore, he said that the government has not yet decided on the amount of fines for those who violate this regulation.

"Because this regulation is still under discussion, the amount (of fines) has not been determined," he mentioned.

He explained that the smoking bans in open areas have already been implemented in several developed countries. Meanwhile, this rule has not been applied in Jakarta.

Previously, during the DPRD's plenary meeting, he gave his response regarding the Draft Bylaw on Smoke-Free Areas.

According to him, the executive agrees and considers that the tobacco industry and production, which is an export commodity, can still continue. However, it is necessary to regulate the control of cigarette consumption in public spaces and certain facilities.

This Raperda, he revealed, still allows smoking in designated places specifically outside Smoke-Free Areas. In addition, the executive also agrees that karaoke places, nightclubs, and live music cafes are included in the definition of entertainment venues within public spaces in the Draft Bylaw on Smoke-Free Areas.

He mentioned that several global cities such as Tokyo, Seoul, and San Jose have implemented smoking bans in entertainment venues, such as bars and discotheques. They also impose fines for smoking within less than 10 meters of others.

Moreover, the executive also agrees to include efforts to protect public health from the dangers of smoking and exposure to cigarette smoke, especially for groups under 21 years old and pregnant women, in this draft bylaw.

As part of prevention and guidance efforts, this draft bylaw touches on the educational aspects that need to be strengthen with various strategies.

"The executive agrees on the need of effective socialization strategies, involving community leaders, community organizations, non-governmental organizations in counseling, and collaboration with local media and digital influencers," he conveyed.