Special Train Carriages Proposal for Smokers Sparks a Stir, Here's Nasim Khan's Profile
YOGYAKARTA - Nasim Khan, a member of Commission VI of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) from the National Awakening Party (PKB) faction, has become a public spotlight after proposing that PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) provide a dedicated carriage for smoking passengers.
The proposal was presented during a hearing with PT KAI President Director Bobby Rasyidin at the Parliament Complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Wednesday, August 20.
"Because many trains don't have smoking areas, Mr. Bobby (KAI President Director), at least this train should have one carriage (for smoking passengers). I'm sure that would be beneficial and profitable for the railways, right?" said Nasim.
Some consider this proposal an innovative step that could increase comfort for smoking passengers and simultaneously open up additional revenue opportunities for KAI. However, many others consider the idea inappropriate.
Among those criticizing the proposal is Tulus Abadi, Chairman of the Indonesian Empowered Consumers Forum (FKBI). He believes the proposal contradicts existing regulations prohibiting the provision of smoking areas on public transportation.
Tulus also reminded that there have been mass transportation accidents caused by smoking passengers, such as the sinking of the TampoMas II in 1981 and a plane crash in Europe in 1973.
"Indonesian Railways management should have ignored the DPR member's suggestion," Tulus emphasized.
Nasim Khan's Profile
His full name is Ir. H. M. Nasim Khan, born on June 10, 1975, in Situbondo, East Java. He attended elementary school at SDN 1 Sembagis, then continued on to SMPN 1 Sembagis, SMAN 2 Situbondo, and finally, to the National Institute of Technology (ITN) Malang.
Since his college days, Nasim has been known as an active student in various organizations. He served as the Coordinator of the Madura Student Association, the Coordinator of the ITN Student Association and Senate, and the Coordinator of the Malang Communication Forum.
These organizational activities were crucial for Nasim's future political career. In addition to his student life, he also plays an active role in Public Relations for the Alumni Association of SMPN 1 Situbondo and the Alumni Association of SMAN 2 Situbondo.
This extensive experience in various organizations has shaped his leadership character and extensive socio-political network.
Before entering politics, Nasim Khan pursued a professional career in several companies. He worked at Telkomsel and PT Guna Inti Permata.
After that, Nasim founded and developed the Khan Group in 2006 and NF Gems & Jewellery in 2010. He also worked at Gems Research International from 2012 to 2013.
His political career began when he joined the National Awakening Party (PKB). Nasim was entrusted with serving as Deputy Treasurer of the PKB Central Leadership Council (DPP) for the 2019-2024 period.
In the 2014 elections, Nasim Khan was elected to the House of Representatives (DPR) from the East Java III Electoral District (Dapil) with 78,222 votes. He was subsequently re-elected for another term.
Nasim Khan currently sits on Commission VI of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), which oversees trade, competition supervision, and state-owned enterprises (SOEs). This position places him in a strategic position to oversee and provide input on various economic and business policies in Indonesia.