UMPO and Ponorogo Health Office Fight Smoking Risks for Youth

UMPO.AC.ID – Universitas Muhammadiyah Ponorogo (UMPO), in collaboration with the Ponorogo District Health Office, held an educational program themed CETAR (Creating a Healthy Smoke-Free Generation) on Monday (1/12).

In her remarks, Dr. Dyah Ayu emphasized the importance of strong synergy between educational institutions and the health sector in shaping a healthy, qualified, and well-characterized young generation. She reminded participants that today’s health challenges require even closer cooperation so that anti-smoking education can be widely understood by youth.

“We are living in an era where we must unite, synergize, and strengthen our efforts to create a generation that is healthy and accomplished. One way is by continuously reminding students about the dangers of smoking,” she said.

She added that explanations delivered by the speakers are expected to broaden students’ awareness that cigarettes are toxic substances that endanger both the smoker and those around them.

Dr. Dyah Ayu also expressed appreciation to UMPO for its continuous collaboration with the Health Office.

“Thank you to the Vice Rector and all faculties at UMPO. We are always open—whenever UMPO needs programs like this, we are ready. Our hope is that this synergy grows stronger in shaping a healthy, high-character, and high-achieving generation,” she stated.

She also highlighted the existence of the Smoke-Free Area Regulation (KTR) established through the 2024 regional regulation of Ponorogo Regency. With this legal basis, violators may face sanctions, making joint supervision across institutions essential.

“The KTR already has a legal framework. At some point, we may conduct joint inspections, especially in educational environments,” she added.

Meanwhile, UMPO Vice Rector III, Dr. Sugeng Wibowo, M.H., addressed a growing concern about public content that normalizes smoking behavior. He noted that several public figures openly display themselves smoking on social media, influencing how young people perceive smoking.

“In Muhammadiyah, the fatwa on smoking is already very clear and firm. But many people still try to find loopholes to make it seem permissible. This is what we need to clarify,” he explained.

Dr. Sugeng also stressed the importance of students maintaining the university as a smoke-free environment.

“Within the UMPO campus, things are fairly well-regulated, but once you step outside, the situation can be quite different. That’s why students need to understand that smoking harms not only themselves but also those around them,” he said.

Through this program, UMPO and the Ponorogo Health Office aim to strengthen their shared commitment to building a healthy culture within educational settings, while preparing a future generation that is truly free from cigarette smoke.