August 21, 2025 | 01:14 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Tulus Abadi, the chair of the Indonesian Empowered Consumer Forum (FKBI), dismissed a remark by an Indonesian House member that proposes smoking cars on intercity trains. According to him, the proposal is absurd and ridiculous.
"The proposal for a special smoking carriage on trains is contrary to existing regulations," said Tulus in a written statement on Thursday, August 21, 2025, adding that he's concerned that a lawmaker does not understand the law.
The ban on smoking on trains has been regulated in various laws, including the Health Law, Government Regulation Number 28 of 2024 concerning Health, and dozens of regional government regulations that regulate smoke-free areas. Trains, he said, are included in the type of public transportation that strictly prohibits smoking spaces.
"There should not even be any cigarette sales activities, and no cigarette advertising and promotions," said Tulus.
The proposal, he said, underscores a lack of historical understanding by the House member, as there have been multiple instances of accidents caused by smoking passengers.
For example, the sinking of the Tampomas II ship in 1981, resulting in the deaths of 431 passengers. Another case is the 1973 aircrash in Europe.
Therefore, he deems the proposal to potentially endanger the safety of the Indonesian railway and its passengers. "The management of PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) should disregard the proposal," he said.
Previously, member of the Indonesian House of Representatives Commission VI Nasim Khan proposed that PT KAI reintroduce special carriages for smokers on intercity train services. According to him, the existence of smoking cars not only provides comfort but also has the potential to drive up KAI's revenue.
"Many trains do not have a smoking area, Mr. Bobby (President Director of KAI), there should be at least one carriage (specifically for smoking) in the trains. I believe it will definitely be profitable for the railway company, don't you think?" said Nasim Khan, a politician from the Nation Awakening Party (PKB) during a hearing with PT KAI President Director Bobby Rasyidin at the Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.
Dani Aswara contributed to the writing of this article.
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