Indonesia’s Narcotics Agency Pushes for Total Vape Ban
The National Narcotics Agency (BNN) of Indonesia has announced plans to pursue a total ban on e-cigarettes, citing a massive surge in youth usage and the widespread exploitation of vaping devices by drug syndicates. This decisive move aims to address an escalating public health and security crisis.
Speaking at the 11th Indonesian Conference on Tobacco Control (ICTOH) on May 22, 2026, BNN Inspector General Agus Irianto revealed that e-cigarette users in the country have increased tenfold over the past decade, now totaling 6.6 million people. Alarmingly, teenagers account for approximately 87% of this demographic, drawn in by appealing designs and flavors.
The BNN’s primary concern is the vulnerability of refillable pods and vapes to drug tampering. Syndicates are reportedly refilling legitimate-looking e-liquid bottles with New Psychoactive Substances (NPS), etomidate, ketamine, and isoproxate.
“Three of the four types of e-cigarettes have been found to contain narcotics,” Irianto stated, adding that manufacturers do not disclose chemical additives, which often include carcinogens like formaldehyde.
| Metric / Indicator | Current Status / Finding | Source / Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Total Vape Users | 6.6 million (10x increase in 10 years) | Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) |
| Youth Demographic | Teenagers make up 87% of users | BNN |
| Contamination Rate | 3 out of 4 vape types contain narcotics | BNN Analysis |
| Nicotine Concentration | Equivalent to 5 conventional cigarettes | Indonesian Pulmonologist Association |
The ban has gained strong backing from health professionals. Dr. Agus Dwi Susanto, advisor to the Indonesian Pulmonologist Association, dismissed the “harm reduction” narrative promoted by the vape industry. He noted that due to user-controlled e-liquid consumption, vape users often inhale nicotine levels equivalent to smoking five conventional cigarettes, alongside unique risks like drug exposure.
While BNN acknowledges that a total ban carries the risk of fueling an illicit black market, officials argue the immediate threat to youth health and national security outweighs these operational challenges. The agency is currently collaborating with the House of Representatives and has secured initial support from relevant legislative commissions to draft the ban.
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