Clearing the Air in Bali

(12/5/2011)

On Monday, November 28, 2011, a general assembly of the Bali House of Representatives (DPRD-Bali) ratified Bali’s new anti-smoking law. Once certified by Jakarta, people caught smoking in areas where smoking is prohibited under the new law will face fines of up to Rp. 50 million (US$5,550)

Kompas.com reports that the new law contains 8 sections covering 22 sub-sections stipulating places where smoking in public is not allowed such as hotels, restaurants, tourism areas, places of worship, places providing medical services, schools, children play areas, public transport, tourist transport, offices, government offices, police and military facilities, shopping malls, traditional markets, public transportation terminals and airports.

Not only will smoking not be allowed in a wide variety of public areas, but also the sales of cigarettes and cigarette advertising in these areas will be equally outlawed. Violators of the law can face fines of Rp 50 million (US$5,550) and prison sentences of up to 6 months.

The vote making smoking illegal in Bali was passed by the DPRD-Bali after hearing the report of a special committee which carefully examined and reviewed the new regulation.

Now that the anti-smoking law has been approved by Bali legislators it will be forwarded to the Ministry of Internal Affairs for evaluation before it can be formally declared the law in Bali.

Bali’s governor Made Mangku Pastika said the new law had its foundation in law number 36 of 2009 on public health. “The goal is so the people of Bali are healthy in accordance with the law. (But) It will still require a period of socialization and struggle,” said Pastika.

Pastika also said he assumed foreign tourists would  more readily understand and accept the new law, while locals will find some difficulty initially in efforts to curb smoking in public place.