Vice President Gibran Values DPR Proposing Special Train Cars For Smokers Not In Accordance With Presidential Program

JAKARTA - Vice President (Vice President) Gibran Rakabuming Raka assessed that the proposal of one of the members of the DPR regarding the existence of special smokers for long-distance train trips was not in sync with President Prabowo Subianto's priority program, especially in the health sector.

As an assistant to the President, Gibran wants to ensure that priority programs, President Prabowo's vision and mission runs well.

"This is a program in the health sector, the programs are clear. There is a Free Health Check, there is stunting eradication, at the Ministry of Health there is also a construction of new hospitals," said Vice President Gibran after reviewing the revitalization of stations at Solo Balapan Station, Solo, Central Java, Sunday, which was confiscated by Antara.

Gibran explained that the proposal to add special smoker carriages was not in line with the President's priority programs, Free Health Checks, Eradication of stunting cases in toddlers, to revitalization and construction of hospitals in the regions.

In addition, various legal and regulatory umbrellas, both laws, government regulations and circulars have regulated that public transportation is a cigarette-free area.

The regulation in question is Law Number 17 of 2023 concerning Health; Government Regulation (PP) Number 28 of 2024 concerning Implementation Regulations of Law Number 17 of 2023 concerning Health, as well as Circular (SE) Number 29 of 2014 concerning the Prohibition of Smoking in General Transportation Facilities.

Likewise, a number of cities have made a policy to limit advertising or any form of cigarette promotion.

"Once again, for the honorable DPR member, I apologize, this input is not in sync with the program from the President," said Gibran.

However, the Vice President emphasized that all aspirations to improve KAI services will be accommodated.

On the previous occasion, Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives Nasim Khan suggested that PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) provide special carriages for smokers on long-distance trains.

This proposal was submitted in a hearing with KAI President Director Bobby Rasyidin on Wednesday, August 20.

Responding to this, PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) emphasized that all train services operated remain smoke-free, as part of the company's efforts to maintain the comfort and safety of all customers.