PRO-WOMEN, CHILDREN NETWORK HAILS MUI'S EDICT ON SMOKING

Semarang, C Java, Jan 31 (ANTARA)- The Central Java chapter of the Pro-Women and Children Network (JPPA) has hailed the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI)'s edict banning children and pregnant women from smoking.
Smoking will disturb the physical growth process in children and the same in fetuses in pregnant women, Prof Agnes Widianti S, coordinator of JPPA's Central Java chapter, said here Saturday.
"I am merely referring to the health aspect of the MUI's edict," Widianti said, adding that Law No.23/2002 on protection of children provided for guarantees on children's growing process.
She also supported MUI ban on smoking in public areas, noting that the ban was already in effect in a number of regions before the MUI edict was issued.
"I think the smoking ban in public areas is a correct policy," she said, adding she did recognize every person's right to smoke in accordance with human rights.
"I don't say that everyone should be prohibited from smoking. But smoking should not prevent other people from enjoying healthy air," she added.
Previously, Amin Suma, chairman of the Edict Commission of the MUI said MUI had issued an edict forbidding smoking among children, pregnant women, MUI members and people in public places. ***3***