Smoke Alarm
The world trend against smoking is un-known in Indonesia where 60% of all men smoke and tobacco firms target small children. The Government avoids grappling with an industry widely seen as out of control.
Tobacco is a $6 billion industry in Indonesia but a means of livelihood is rapidly becoming a nation's addiction and children are not exempt. Children like Irwan are legally allowed to smoke as much as they like. He sees it as 'freedom' and bonding: "I can hang out with my friends and we can smoke together." Tobacco companies target young crowds and a law to ban advertising is stalled by opposition from the tobacco industry. There's a legacy of bribery and disbelief in the associated health risks. Harjo, a cigarette factory owner insists "the poisoning comes from...pollution" . Change may slowly come as a tobacco representative insists they want "clear regulations so that children can not access cigarettes" but until that day children like Irawan can smoke what they like.
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