2-year-old kicks smoking habit

JAKARTA, Sept. 3 (UPI) -- An Indonesian 2-year-old who made international headlines with his smoking habit has successfully kicked the nicotine addiction, an official said.

Seto Mulyadi, chairman of the National Commission for Child Protection, said Thursday the toddler, identified only as AR, overcame his addiction during an intensive monthlong rehabilitation program, the Jakarta Globe reported Friday.

"He is happy and now he can play just like other children of his age -- he can laugh," Seto said.

Seto said the commission is asking local officials to ensure AR is enrolled in an education center for children.

"The local government is committed to take care of him in order to prevent him from suffering a relapse," he said.

"We want them to fully support him and also to prevent other children from taking up the same habit," he said.

"I am going to go back to South Sumatra after Idul Fitri (the holiday to mark the end of Ramadan) to check on him as well as to play with him," Seto said.