Jakarta, Sept. 29 -- Thousands of traders in Jakarta from various cross-sector organizations have declared their rejection of several provisions in the Draft Regional Regulation (Raperda) on Smoke-Free Zones, saying the policy would harm small businesses.

The rejection was formalized in a joint declaration signed by the Indonesian Street Vendors Association (APKLI), the Nusantara Warteg Community (Kowantara), Warteg Merah Putih (Kowarmart), the Warteg Traders Association, and Pandawakarta, a group representing street vendors in Jakarta and surrounding areas.

They argued that several articles in the draft regulation would directly affect the sustainability of small-scale enterprises that have long supported the local economy.

APKLI Chai...