KAI Refuses To Agree With DPR's Proposal On Special Cigarette Carriages

JAKARTA - PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) or KAI emphasized that all train services operated are still smoke-free.

This step is KAI's commitment to creating a healthy and comfortable transportation environment for anyone, including passive smokers.

The statement was in response to the suggestion of DPR Commission VI member Nasim Khan to propose that PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) Tbk provide a special carriage which is intended as a cafe as well as a smoking area or a smoking area on a long-distance train series.

KAI Vice President Public Relations Anne Purba emphasized that KAI continues to adhere to the cigarette smoke-free policy issued by the Ministry of Transportation in 2014.

We always ensure that train travel provides maximum comfort for customers, which includes clean and healthy air on the train. This policy is in line with applicable regulations and focuses on the quality of our services," Anne said when confirmed, Thursday, August 21.

Anne said the smoking-free policy refers to Circular Letter Number SE 29 of 2014 of the Minister of Transportation of the Republic of Indonesia, which regulates the prohibition of smoking in public transportation facilities, including trains.

"Based on Law Number 36 of 2012 concerning Health and Government Regulation Number 109 of 2012 concerning Safeguarding Materials Containing Addictive Substances in the Form of Tobacco Products for Health, public transportation, including trains, have been designated as Non-Smoking Areas," explained Anne.

As part of this policy, Anne said, KAI has put up a 'No Smoking' sticker in every passenger transportation facility operated, and does not provide a place to smoke in every train series.

In addition, continued Anne, train crews are also prohibited from smoking while on duty and closely monitored to ensure this policy is strictly implemented.

"Smoking areas are only provided at designated stations, ensuring that customers who smoke can do so in the places provided," he said.

Anne said, KAI aims to continue to provide a safe, comfortable, and healthy travel experience for all customers.

He invited the public to support this policy in order to create a better transportation environment.

"KAI appreciates various inputs and feedbacks, but still refers to regulations and comprehensive needs to ensure comfort and safety for all customers," concluded Anne.

Previously, Member of Commission VI of the House of Representatives Nasim Khan suggested that PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) Tbk provide a special carriage that is designated as a cafe as well as a smoking area or a smoking area on a long-distance train series.

The proposal was conveyed by Nasim Khan in a hearing (RDP) of Commission VI of the DPR, with the President Director of PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) or KAI Bobby Rasyidin at the DPR Building, Parliament Complex, Jakarta, Wednesday, August 20.

"At least, there is input too, there is one carriage left for the cafe, for coffee, at least there for the smoke area," he said at the meeting.

Menurut Nasim, gerbong khusus untuk area merokok sebelumnya sepat ada. Namun, sambung dia, kini gerbong khusus tersebut sudah dihilangkan.

“Karena banyak kereta ini tidak ada smoking area Pak Bobby, nah paling tidak dalam (rangkaian) kereta ini ada lah satu gerbong,” katanya.

Nasim meyakini keberadaan gerbong khusus sebagai area merokok dalam satu rangkaian kereta ini akan sangat bermanfaat. Bahkan, keuntungan untuk KAI.

Lebih lanjut, Nasim menilai, ini juga bisa menjadi solusi bagi penumpang yang bosan, mengingat jarak tempuh perjalanan bisa sampai berjam-jam.

Dia pun membandingkan dengan bus yang dilengkapi fasilitas tersebut.

“Saya yakin, saya yakin itu pasti bermanfaat dan menguntungkan untuk kereta api. Pasti banyak itu (peminatnya), satu aja (gerbong) untuk kafe, smoking area, karena 8 jam perjalanan jauh pak, di bus aja hampir 8-10 jam itu ada smoking area di bus. Masa kereta sepanjang itu satu gerbong, saya yakin bisa itu,” ujarnya.

According to Nasim, the special carriage for the previous smoking area was as good as there. However, he continued, now the special carriage has been removed.

"Because many of these trains do not smoke Pak Bobby's area, at least in this train there is one carriage," he said.

Nasim believes the existence of a special carriage as a smoking area in a series of trains will be very useful. In fact, the benefits for KAI.

Furthermore, Nasim assessed, this can also be a solution for bored passengers, considering that the travel distance can take up to hours.

He also compared the buses equipped with these facilities.

I'm sure, I'm sure it will be useful and profitable for trains. There must be a lot of it (the interest), just one (carriage) for cafes, shopping areas, because 8 hours of long trips, sir, on the bus for almost 8-10 hours there is a smoking area on the bus. During the train period during that one carriage, I'm sure you can do that," he said.