The increasing number of smokers brings harm to passive smokers so that a regulation of smoke-free areas should be upheld. All regencies and a city in Yogyakarta have the regulation.

Responding the fact, Muhammadiyah Tobacco Control Center (MTCC) of Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY) had a meeting with Government of Yogyakarta City on Wednesday (21/3). Attended by Mayor of Yogyakarta City, Department of Health, Regional Working Units (SKPD), and an MTCC team, the meeting aimed to cooperate with the government parties to monitor the implementation of Law No. 2/2017 on Smoke-Free Areas in Yogyakarta City enacted in March 2018.

The government mentioned that the smoke-free areas encompass health service areas, educational institutions, worship places, daycare areas, sport centers, workplaces, public places, public transports. People are not allowed to smoke, advertise tobacco products, and sell cigarettes.

“Due to the implementation of the regulation, air in the public areas such as public transports, schools, hospitals, bus stations, train stations, and offices is clean so that non-smokers are not bothered by smoke. Indeed, the health of children and pregnant women can be maintained,” expected dr. April Prabowo, a representative of MTCC.

“We, together with the government of Yogyakarta City, collaborate to monitor the implementation of the regulation. People who break the law will be punished. Besides, prohibition of tobacco advertising and sponsors should be applied in all areas of Yogyakarta City,” declared dr. April.

The regulation mentions seven areas prohibited to smoke and sell tobacco products. The offenders will be sentenced with a one-month imprisonment and a fine of 7.5 million rupiahs.