A number of society elements have discussed adverse effects of smoke. However, regulations to confine smoking in public places have yet firmly upheld. Responding the circumstance, Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia (RI) and Muhammadiyah Tobacco Control Center (MTCC) of Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY) collaborating with local government of Regency of Kebumen, Central Java launched 35 Village Regulations on Smoke-Free Areas on Monday (19/11) at Secretariat Building of Kebumen. The regulations were a follow up of several previous visit by a team of Ministry of Health and the MTCC of UMY.
Director General of Disease Prevention and Control of the Ministry of Health of the RI dr. Anung Sugihantono, M.Kes. appreciated government of Regency of Kebumen, particularly government of Babadsari Village and 34 other villages, for regulating free-smoke areas. “Most of people have recognized that smoking and the smoke induce chronic lung disease and other diseases. Nevertheless, they are indifferent to the risks. Thus, we need an instrument or another means to raise their health awareness,” he stated.
Anung declared that village regulations may enhance roles of government. “The regulations are efforts to promote and prevent risks of smoking and the smoke. The 35 village regulations are in accordance with endeavors of Ministry of Health of RI to guarantee public health and forestall diseases caused by smoking and the smoke,” he maintained.
Furthermore, Sub-Directorate Head of Chronic Lung Disease and Immunological Disorders of Ministry of Health of the RI dr. Theresia Sandra Diah Ratih, MHA said that the regulations should be applied in other villages in Indonesia. “Central Government issued Government Regulation No. 109/2012 on Security of Addictive Substances as Tobacco Products for Health. Local government with its autonomous authority can carry on goals of local government to maintain public health from the dangers of smoking and its smoke by enacting Local Regulations of Province and Regency/City through higher authority on the free-smoke areas,” she explained.
“Many comprehensive and accommodative regulations have existed, but are less applicable. To cope with the issue, education and advocacy are essential to enhance public awareness. As a representative of Ministry of Health and government, we expect that the regulations are implemented in not only Regency of Kebumen but also other areas. Indeed, the regulations also aim to create healthy and smart future generations of this nation,” she expressed.
