DKI Approves Non-Smoking Area Ordinance, Rano Karno: In Line with Global Practices

(Photo: Humas DKI Provincial Government)

JAKARTA - Deputy Governor of DKI Jakarta Rano Karno emphasized that tobacco control is one of the strategic priorities of the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government in health development.

The affirmation was delivered when opening the 8th Asia Pacific Cities Alliance for Health and Development (APCAT) High Level Conference in Jakarta.

The 8th APCAT Forum was attended by delegates from various cities in Indonesia and the Asia Pacific region. This meeting is a space for sharing good practices and strengthening collaboration between city governments in formulating public health policies.

During the forum, Rano touched on the long steps taken by the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government in tobacco control, including the enactment of the Regional Regulation Draft on Smoke-free Areas by the DKI Jakarta DPRD after going through a process of more than 15 years.

"The regulation is in line with global best practices, including prohibiting smoking and the use of e-cigarettes in public and work spaces, restricting the sale of tobacco products at certain points of sale, and prohibiting the advertising, promotion, and sponsorship of tobacco products," said Rano at the JW Marriott Hotel, Setiabudi, South Jakarta, Monday, January 26.

The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government, said Rano, has prepared a cross-regional monitoring mechanism to ensure that policy implementation is effective. Enforcement of the rules will be carried out by the Police Pamong Praja Unit, with the support of the community reporting system.

Tobacco control is also integrated into the Jakarta digital ecosystem through the JAKI application. Through this application, residents can report violations of smoke-free areas. Throughout 2024, the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government received hundreds of reports every month from the public.

"The essence of the no-smoking area policy is not a total ban, but a fair and balanced regulation of shared space. This policy is not intended to shut down economic activities. The industry can still run, but with more stringent regulations so that public health becomes the main priority," said Rano.

In addition to enforcing regulations, the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government has also developed a Quit Smoking Effort (UBM) service at health service facilities. UBM clinics are prepared to provide medical support and counseling for residents who want to quit smoking.

Rano also highlighted the prevalence of the use of e-cigarettes and alternative tobacco products, especially among young people. According to him, the assumption that e-cigarettes are safer needs to be straightened out, so that their circulation must be restricted by strengthening protection for minors.

"Tobacco control efforts in Jakarta are not merely the establishment of rules, but a collective movement to protect the future of citizens from the threat of catastrophic diseases. We believe that a healthy community is the main foundation for the sustainable economic growth of the city," he said.

In the future, the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government expressed its commitment to continue to collaborate through APCAT by sharing good practices and strengthening local leadership in tobacco control in the Asia Pacific region.

"Let's synergize to create healthier, more productive, and smoke-free cities in the Asia Pacific region for future generations," concluded Rano.