Indonesia is home to a large youth population, and one of the more serious issues affecting this group is smoking. In Jakarta, around 11.56% of adolescents are recorded as active smokers, while 27.16% have had prior experience with cigarettes. The highest rates are found among vocational high school students, with 27.44% smoking, followed by students from Islamic senior high schools (MA), reaching 21.11% (Udayana CENTRAL, 2024). This increase shows that cigarettes are becoming more deeply embedded in young people’s lives.

This situation is concerning because adolescence should be a time for learning, growth, and building a future. Yet it is also often the stage when young people are first exposed to harmful behaviors. Many adolescents start smoking due to environmental influences, by observing friends, or by using it as an escape from school stress and other social pressures.

For young people, quitting smoking is not easy. The addictive substances in cigarettes can turn initial curiosity into a habit that is difficult to break. What starts as “just trying it” can gradually develop into dependence.

Even so, there are several steps young people can take to break free from smoking. Here are some ways that can help—keep reading until the end.

Redefining What It Means to Be “Cool” Among Teenagers

For years, smoking has often been associated with masculinity, freedom, and maturity. This narrative has shaped the perception that smoking is part of a certain social identity. In reality, being “cool” should never be built around habits that put one’s own health—and the health of others—at risk.

Teenagers need spaces that support them in building a positive identity—spaces that encourage the courage to be different, think critically, and make wise decisions. Preventing smoking is not enough through prohibition alone; it also requires providing alternative activities that are relevant, engaging, and aligned with the aspirations of young people.

RAW: A Space for Growth for Teenage Boys

As part of Jalin Foundation’s commitment to preventing smoking behavior among adolescent boys, the Generasi RAW initiative was created.

RAW stands for:

• Resilient – Strong in facing social pressure and life’s challenges
• Awesome – Confident with one’s own definition of what is cool
• Wise – Able to think clearly and make thoughtful decisions

Generasi RAW is a youth aspiration-based movement that places young people as the main drivers in building a positive culture. This approach aims to strengthen identity, increase awareness, and reduce vulnerability to peer pressure that may encourage smoking behavior.

RAWkop: A Safe Space to Create and Grow

One tangible implementation of this initiative is RAWkop, an activity space for teenagers available across all areas of Jakarta.

RAWkop is held every day after school and on weekends according to a scheduled timetable. This program is designed as a safe and productive space where teenagers can discuss issues relevant to their lives, develop digital skills and content creativity, collaborate through games and community activities, and build healthy and supportive friendships.

More than just a place to gather, RAWkop is a space for creativity, exploring interests, and staying away from risky peer pressure. Through a participatory approach, teenagers are encouraged to discover their potential while building sustainable positive behaviors.

Join and Stay Updated

There are many fun and exciting activities at RAWkop that teenagers can join after school throughout Jakarta. This initiative is a concrete step toward creating an ecosystem that supports young people to grow healthier, stronger, and more empowered.

To stay updated on the latest schedules and activities, follow Generasi RAW’s social media channels. There, you can find inspiration, stories, and a space to connect with peers who also want to grow healthier, stay active, and feel confident in the life choices they make.

Reference

Udayana CENTRAL & Jalin Foundation. 2024. Jakarta Tobacco Survey Report. Bali–Jakarta: Udayana CENTRAL.