The Proposal and Public Sentiment

A​ controversial proposal to reintroduce smoking ⁢carriages on long-distance trains⁢ in indonesia has‍ ignited‌ debate, ​even as the ⁤world increasingly​ embraces smoke-free public spaces. ⁣ On August 20, 2025, ​Nasim Khan, a member of the ​Indonesian House of Commission⁣ VI, suggested ​to PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) that dedicated smoking carriages could boost revenue and cater to passenger comfort. Khan framed the proposal as a direct response to constituent concerns,particularly from East ⁤Java,stating it was a matter of‌ “humanity” to accommodate smokers.

A ⁣Global Shift Towards Smoke-Free Environments

While⁤ Indonesia​ contemplates a return to segregated smoking ⁣spaces, the vast majority of the world is moving ‍in the opposite direction. ⁤ Governments worldwide are strengthening regulations to protect​ public health,reduce secondhand smoke exposure,and curb smoking rates,particularly among⁤ young people.France, for example, expanded its smoking ban on ⁣July 1, 2025, to include open⁤ public spaces like beaches,​ forests, and parks,⁤ building on existing bans⁤ in restaurants, bars, and public transportation.

This trend isn’t new. Ireland​ led the way in 2004 with a comprehensive ⁢ban⁣ in enclosed workplaces, including pubs and restaurants, setting ‍a precedent⁣ for numerous countries. Singapore maintains some of the strictest regulations globally, ​prohibiting smoking in nearly all public areas, both indoors and out, with hefty fines for violations. Other nations actively restricting⁢ smoking include the United‌ Kingdom (since 2007), Australia,