November 25, 2008 - House of Representatives and an influential ulema group (Indonesia Ulemas Council (quasi-government council of Muslim scholars) - give guidance on many issues including smoking for Moslems) calling for anti-smoking laws.
Anti-smoking groups have repeatedly called on the government to take measures to reduce cigarette consumption in the country. The government has rejected the request, citing the millions of jobs that would be at stake in the sector.
Legislator Atte Sugandi of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s Democratic Party said Monday, 11/24/2008 a bill being pushed for deliberation by the House would curb tobacco-related advertising, promotions, sponsorships, production and sales. The House will set up a special committee before the year’s end to deliberate the bill, a move that has been delayed for three years. Atte said, "We expect to pass the bill (with 87 articles)before our term ends next year.”
The grip of the influential and strong tobacco industry on government may at last be broken. WE WILL HAVE TO SEE..
Reference: House, ulema push for anti-smoking laws by Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, 11/25/2008.
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