Yogyakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — The Yogyakarta City Government, through its Public Order Agency (Satpol PP), will implement judicial penalties for smoking violations in the Malioboro smoke-free area starting 2025. Offenders could face fines of up to Rp7.5 million (approximately $500).
According to Ahmad Hidayat, Head of the Investigation Section at Satpol PP Yogyakarta, the enforcement comes after years of public awareness campaigns and education efforts targeting violators. “Considering that public outreach has been conducted extensively, we will begin imposing judicial penalties this year,” Ahmad said in a statement on Monday, as reported by Antara.
Local Regulations
Ahmad states that the penalties are based on Yogyakarta City Regulation No. 2 of 2017 on Smoke-Free Areas. Therefore, after years of educating violators, authorities have decided to move forward with enforcement.
According to Antara, the Yogyakarta Public Order Agency (Satpol PP) reported 4,158 individuals for smoking violations in the Malioboro area. Of these, 36 were local residents, while the remainder were tourists.
“We have continuously reminded people not to smoke in designated smoke-free zones. However, given the extensive outreach, we are now shifting to judicial enforcement,” Ahmad stated. He emphasized that the fines aim to make visitors more mindful of Yogyakarta’s smoke-free policies.
Multiple Sector Collaboration
To ensure the policy’s success, Satpol PP will collaborate with the Health Department (Dinkes) and the Cultural Heritage Area Management Unit (UPT). Additional outreach efforts will target tourism service providers, such as pedicab and horse-drawn carriage drivers.
This January, Satpol PP, along with Dinkes and the Yogyakarta District Court, will conduct another round of public education, focusing on tourism operators in Malioboro. “Smoke-free zone signage will also be reinforced,” said Octo Noor Arafat, Head of Satpol PP Yogyakarta.
Additionally, increased patrols by Yogyakarta Public Order Agency (Satpol PP) will be carried out along Malioboro’s main streets and alleyways to ensure compliance.
Designated Smoking Areas
Despite the smoking ban and fines, the Yogyakarta City Government has provided designated smoking areas within the Malioboro zone to accommodate visitors who wish to smoke without violating regulations.
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These designated areas include the Abu Bakar Ali Parking Lot, North Plaza Malioboro, and the third floor of Beringharjo Market. Visitors are encouraged to use these spaces to avoid disturbing others and maintain the area’s cleanliness and comfort.
Officials hope the enforcement of smoking penalties will raise public awareness about the importance of cleanliness, health, and environmental comfort in Malioboro. “Let us work together to keep Yogyakarta clean and comfortable, making it a healthy city for everyone,” Octo Noor Arafat concluded.
(Raidi/Agung)
