Indonesian museums enforce non-smoking area rules

A growing number of museums in Indonesia are enforcing strict non-smoking policies within their premises. This initiative, part of an effort to foster healthier public spaces, has been adopted by several institutions managed by the Public Service Agency for Museums and Cultural Heritage (MCB) under the Ministry of Culture.

Institutions now designated as smoke-free zones include the Basoeki Abdullah Museum, National Awakening Museum, Sumpah Pemuda Museum, Proclamation Text Formulation Museum, Indonesian Batik Museum, and the Indonesian Presidential Museum - Balai Kirti. These museums join others like the Sangiran Early Man Museum, Borobudur Conservation Center, Borobudur Temple, Mendut Temple, and Pawon Temple, which had already implemented similar regulations.

Indira Estiyanti Nurjadin, Head of MCB, stated that these museums and cultural heritage sites serve as vital spaces for learning, reflection, and community gathering. Therefore, she emphasized, a healthy and comfortable environment is crucial for optimizing their educational and preservation functions. MCB is actively encouraging all its units to consistently uphold these non-smoking rules. To support this, MCB organized training for museum managers on implementing the non-smoking area regulations, coinciding with the 2026 World No Tobacco Day.

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Museum and cultural heritage sites are spaces for learning, reflection, and community gathering. Therefore, a healthy and comfortable environment is a crucial prerequisite for optimal educational and preservation functions.