Indonesia still has some of the weakest tobacco regulations in the world (leading to over 200,000 tobacco-related death each year), but the government is slowly implementing more and more protections. For example, many in Yogyakarta will soon be able to breathe easier thanks to a new smoke-free area regulation that heavily penalizes those who light up in the wrong place.
The regulation, which was passed by the the Yogyakarta legislature on Monday, also criminalizes any person or business sells or advertises tobacco products in places designated as smoke-free areas. There are additional penalties for selling cigarettes to children under the age of 18.
A mayoral regulation establishing smoke-free areas had previously been issued by the government, but it lacked any means of enforcement. The new regulation imposes heavy penalties of up to Rp 7.5 million and one year in jail for those who break the law.
Smoke-free areas referred to in the regulation include health centers, educational institutions, houses of prayer, sports facilities, work areas, public spaces including shops and public transport. It also requires effected venues to establish designated smoking areas or rooms.
Smokers don’t have to worry about being hit by huge fines quite yet.
“This regulations will only fully apply one year after it’s been passed, so that time can be utilized by the local government to socialize [the new law], specifically regarding sanctions for offenders,” said Dwi Budi Utomo, deputy chairman of the special committee which drafted the regulation, as quoted by Kompas.
Acting Yogyakarta Mayor Sulistiyo said the regulations were not intended to prohibit people from smoking, only to stop them from smoking outside of designated areas.
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