February 18, 2026 | 01:07 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Head of Indonesia’s National Narcotics Agency (BNN), Commissioner General Suyudi Ario Seto, has called for tighter supervision of electronic cigarettes and vaporizers (vapes), warning that drug traffickers often exploit these products to distribute narcotics.
“Indonesia must not become a dumping ground for products prohibited in other countries,” said Suyudi during a Focus Group Discussion on February 18, 2026, at the BNN headquarters, which also addressed restrictions on nitrous oxide (commonly known as whipped cream) use.
Several countries, including Singapore, the Maldives, and Thailand, have already banned the import and sale of electronic cigarettes. Malaysia is drafting legislation to fully prohibit vape circulation, while the World Health Organization issued a global call to action in December 2023 urging governments to regulate electronic cigarettes decisively.
Although Indonesia’s Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) issued Regulation Number 19 of 2025 to expand vape oversight, Suyudi said existing regulations are insufficient if these products remain legally available.
He also highlighted the health risks of vaping, noting that chemical liquids in e-cigarettes can be harmful.
Data from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) Indonesia Report 2021 shows a tenfold increase in vape use over a decade, from 0.3 percent in 2011 to 3 percent in 2021.
BNN and police have frequently uncovered cases where vapes are filled with narcotics, such as etomidate (a type II narcotic) and liquid methamphetamine. Because vapes are still legal, authorities face challenges detecting their misuse.
Traffickers often disguise drug consumption as normal vaping, even in public spaces.
Suyudi urged stakeholders to adopt a forward-looking approach to national interests and recommended strict regulations or restrictions on the circulation of vapes in Indonesia.
Read: Why Lokataru Finds Indonesia's Cybersecurity Bill Concerning
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