Indonesia’s smoking two-year-old quits: Suffers health problems

Indonesia’s infamous smoking 2-year-old and local tourist attraction, has kicked his two-pack-a-day nicotine habit after a month-long rehab program. Aldi began smoking at 11 months when his father gave him a cigarette.

Aldi Rizal, who caused a storm of protests after becoming a shocking hit on the internet started smoking when he was 18 months old. Over night the video went viral and brought global attention to Aldi and his family, and the ongoing problem of smoking in Indonesia where one-third of the population is said to smoke.

Confused Aldi cried after finishing his last cigarette and beat his head on walls. Heavy smoking appeared to have caused the boy’s brain to shrink and could cause other health problems later. Aldi went through 30 days of medical supervision where it was found he was also suffering from heart problems. However, this could also be due do that fact he is severely over weight.

Aldi’s mom, Diana, was also given parenting classes.

When removed from that environment, and given a wide range of activities, including playing and drawing, he no longer had the urge, the psychologist said.

Approximately one-third of Indonesia’s 230 million people and more than 60% of its male population smoke.

The government gave financial support to Aldi’s parents, who were ignorant of smoking’s dangers and used cigarettes to keep the toddler happy as they worked long hours at a street market.