Indonesia for Stronger E-Cigarette Controls, Concerns Over Dangerous Substance

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s National Narcotics Agency (BNN) has called for stronger policies to regulate the circulation of electronic cigarettes, or vapes, as a precautionary measure against the growing misuse of dangerous substances. The call was made during a meeting on e-cigarette distribution policy held on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, in Jakarta with several ministries in attendance.

Representing BNN, Deputy for Community Empowerment Aldrin M.P. Hutabarat, said the Agency had seized 8,276.15 milliliters of etomidate, 3,485 vape cartridges and 1.3 tons of ketamine throughout 2026. He said the findings were a serious concern as they indicated the potential use of electronic cigarettes as a means of distributing dangerous substances.

“The high circulation of liquid narcotics will certainly increase the number of people misusing narcotics and addictive substances, which will have negative impacts not only on public health but also on other aspects,” Aldrin said as quoted from the press release.

He explained that the growing circulation of narcotics and addictive substances in liquid form could have implications beyond public health, potentially creating additional social and economic burdens for the state. If not addressed promptly, the government could face greater costs, including rehabilitation for substance users, incarceration for couriers and dealers, and healthcare costs for people exposed to the substances.

Based on these considerations, BNN proposed a total ban on electronic cigarettes through a presidential regulation (Perpres), as one possible policy option to prevent the misuse of dangerous substances through vape products from becoming more widespread. However, the agency said it would await the results of a comprehensive review by all relevant stakeholders to ensure that any policy eventually adopted is supported by strong evidence and data and can be properly justified.

Some countries have already adopted comprehensive bans on e-cigarettes, including Kamboja, Laos, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Singapore, for example, prohibits the import, sale, distribution, purchase, possession and use of vaporisers, with the policy aimed at eliminating the health risks, including concerns over their potentially harmful and addictive substances.

Vietnam has also adopted a comprehensive ban on e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, with the policy aimed particularly at protecting public health and young people from the health harms associated with the products. Vietnam’s National Assembly approved the ban in late 2024, and the World Health Organization has described it as an important measure to protect the health and future of Vietnamese youth.