Jakarta. A proposal by an Indonesian legislator to add smoking carriages on long-distance trains has sparked public debate, with critics saying it goes against global health efforts.

Nasim Khan, a member of Commission VI in the House of Representatives, suggested that state-owned railway operator Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) consider designating smoking areas on its trains. The idea comes as neighboring countries, including Singapore and Japan, tighten restrictions on tobacco and vaping.

In contrast, Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced during his National Day address on Aug. 17 that vaping would now be treated on par with narcotics, carrying severe criminal penalties. The move reflects the city-state’s increasingly tough stance on tobacco alternatives.

Indonesia’s Ambassador to Singapore, Suryopratomo, said Nasim's proposal risked sending the wrong message at a time when global policy is shifting toward stricter regulation.

“This is an era where health has become a crucial element,” Suryo said in Jakarta on Thursday evening. “Even Japan, one of the countries with many smokers, has tightened restrictions. There are no train carriages in Japan where people can smoke.”

He added that Singapore’s measures are based on extensive research showing the health risks of vaping. “The government found that earlier policies were not strict enough, which allowed many people to try using vapes and even smuggle them,” he said.

Health advocates in Indonesia have long pushed for tighter controls on tobacco, pointing out that the country has one of the world’s highest smoking rates. The smoking-carriage proposal, they argue, would contradict broader public health campaigns aimed at reducing nicotine consumption.

The Indonesian Youth Council for Tactical Changes (IYCTC) also criticized the idea, calling it one of the most reckless policy proposals in recent memory.

“This proposal is a setback. Smoking in public spaces violates the basic right to clean air. Instead of providing smoking space, the government should strengthen stop-smoking services and keep public transport smoke-free,” said IYCTC chairman Manik Marganamahendra.

Since 2012, KAI has enforced a strict smoke-free policy across all trains, with violators subject to removal. The rule aligns with Indonesia’s Health Law No. 17/2023 and Government Regulation No. 28/2024, which designate public transport as a smoke-free area. 

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