Perda Non-Smoking Area in Jakarta Tightened, Provincial Government Focuses on Pressuring Novice Smokers

Illustration of smoking is prohibited. (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government has confirmed that the implementation of Regional Regulation (Perda) Number 7 of 2025 concerning the Smoke-Free Area (KTR) is a strategic step to reduce the number of novice smokers, especially among children and adolescents.

Head of the Prevention and Control of Diseases of the DKI Jakarta Health Office, Sri Puji Wahyuni, explained that the regulation not only regulates the smoke-free area, but also restricts the promotion of tobacco products.

"This regulation regulates the prohibition of displaying or displaying cigarette products at sales outlets. This is a strategic step to suppress the emergence of new smokers, especially among children and adolescents," he said.

In addition, the KTR Regulation also prohibits the promotion and advertising of cigarettes and electronic cigarettes on digital platforms and social media. This policy is expected to reduce exposure to advertisements that often target the younger generation.

Based on data from the Indonesian Health Survey (SKI) 2023, the first age to smoke in Jakarta is quite worrying. As many as 18.6 percent started smoking at the age of 10-14 years, while the other 55.6 percent were in the age range of 15-19 years.

Previous findings from a 2017 survey of the Health Office of more than two thousand junior high and high school students in West Jakarta and North Jakarta also showed that 36 percent of students had tried smoking, some even starting at the age of seven.

"The trend of novice smokers among children and adolescents continues to increase and this is a big challenge that we must address together," said Sri.

He emphasized that health is the basic right of every citizen and an important investment in human resource development. Various studies also show that active and passive smokers are equally at high risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and hypertension.

Through this policy, the DKI Provincial Government is trying to create a healthier environment with better air quality, as well as providing protection for vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, and the elderly.

The government also invites public facility managers, business actors, and the retail sector to play a role in implementing these rules and building a healthy lifestyle culture.

On the other hand, regional officials ranging from mayors, sub-district heads to sub-district heads are asked to actively educate and supervise the community with a persuasive approach but remain firm.

"This KTR regulation is not to discriminate against smokers, but to regulate so that everyone gets the same right to breathe clean air and live healthy," he said.