Canadian photographer Michelle Siu’s on-going series ‘Malboro Boys’ is a disturbing look at the heavily ingrained culture of smoking in Indonesia, particularly among its male population and young boys.
Indonesia has extremely high rates of smoking, with over 300,000 people dying from smoking every year. It is estimated that over 30% of children have their first cigarette before they turn 10.
Aside from being one of the few countries where it is legal to advertise smoking, Indonesia has its own type of cigarette called kretek, a hand-rolled smoke containing a blend of tobacco and cloves that has four times as much nicotine and tar as regular cigarettes.
Siu’s portraits are disturbing to view; aside from the well-publicized harmful effects of smoking, the sight of young boys—some of whom smoke up to two packs a day—hunched over ashtrays like old men and puffing away nonchalantly is shocking to say the least.
Lax legislation, heavy reliance on tobacco exports for income and a strong smoking culture all contribute to the country’s longstanding addiction to nicotine.
“Tobacco consumption in Indonesia is a complex issue as it is intertwined in the country culturally, politically and economically. You can’t take 10 steps before seeing a tobacco advertisement or someone smoking,” said Siu in an interview with Lightbox.
The photographer hopes her series will open people’s eyes to the severity of the situation and raise questions about Indonesia’s relationship with tobacco.
View some of her photographs below.
[via Konbini, images via Michelle Siu]