Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Kendari is located in Southeast Sulawesi Province, Indonesia, with an estimated population of approximately 350,000. This study aimed to evaluate compliance with implementation of Kendari City Regulation No. 16 of 2014 on Smoke Free Zones (Perda KTR) across various facilities (public places, workplaces, educational environments, places of worship, healthcare facilities, children's play areas, sports facilities, and public transportation). This study also examines locating smoke advertising installation points around the observation area. METHODS: This study employs a qualitative approach with a purposive sampling method to select 200 representative locations for observation and 11 informants to assess compliance with Perda KTR between August and September 2023. We evaluated the location regarding the criteria "No Smoking Area" signs, clear "No Smoking" signs, penalties for violators, presence of cigarette butts, designated smoking areas, and tobacco product promotion. The analysis was based on descriptive compliance analyses and QGIS was used to map the distribution of observation locations and tobacco advertising. RESULT: Only 15 of the 200 locations (7,5%) fully complied with the Perda KTR. Healthcare facilities had the highest compliance (40%), followed by educational institutions (33%), while worship places, public transport, and sport facilities showed 6-7% compliance. About 92,5% of "No Smoking" signs lacked enforcement sanctions, and cigarette butts were found in 43,5% of locations. Additionally, 14,5% of stites showed visible tobacco advertisements, especially in the central district (Wua-Wua, Kadia, Kambu). Mandonga, Puuwatu, and Abeli have fewer observed tobacco advertisements, which may reflect different enforcement levels or commercial activity. Interviews revealed moderate public awareness but highlighted significant enforcement gaps. CONCLUSION: The smoke-free zone policy in Kendari has not been effectively implemented. Structural, cultural, and economic factors, limited signage, and weak enforcement contribute to low compliance. Strengthened policy dissemination and enforcement are essential to improving public adherence.