“You do not See an Interesting Ads, You See a Cowboy Killers”: A Comprehensive Public Health Communication Approach on Smoke-Free Policy Enforcement

Abstract

Objectives: While smoke-free policies aiming to protect passive smokers have been identified, some works need to be carried out to implement the policy into stronger regulation. This policy transformation, as the key to policy implementation success, should be considered by researchers and public health advocates to elaborate an effective way of delivering the policy messages. Study Design: This article describes the way Muhammadiyah Tobacco Control Center (MTCC) of Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta assisted the local government to transform smoke-free policy and its relevant accomplishing measurement into an intense enforcement action by involving a multi-sectoral approach and community. Methods: This research is an independent study, reflecting an evaluation of smoke-free project assisted by Muhammadiyah Tobacco Control Center to the Local Government of Yogyakarta City. Results: We discussed the role of multi-sector of the local government upon their policy interpretation and collaboration to reach our vast community in understanding and further implementing the smoke-free policy by their awareness. In addition, we provide a model of community engagement to support policy implementation and evaluation (monitoring process). Conclusion: As the conclusion, a comprehensive public health communication can enhance the program of policy enforcement and gain support from policy-oriented audiences.