Indonesia's Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) has cautioned against a proposed total ban on e-cigarettes, advocating instead for strict regulation of the illicit market. This response follows a push by the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) for a blanket ban, highlighting a growing national debate over how to handle drug-laced vapes without destroying the legal industry.
BPOM Head Taruna Ikrar emphasized that regulatory decisions must carefully weigh scientific, economic, and social impacts. He stated that bans should specifically target substances proven to be dangerous rather than applying a sweeping prohibition on all devices.
This targeted approach aligns with recent findings from BNN’s own Narcotics Laboratory. According to laboratory head Supiyanto, the misuse of narcotics in e-liquids is isolated entirely to illegal, untaxed products. Legal vapes sold through official retail channels have not been implicated in these cases.
Consequently, BPOM argues that enforcement efforts must focus on eradicating illegal distribution networks. "It must be strictly regulated. Which ones are prohibited, which ones are not. It cannot be [banned] entirely," Ikrar stated, noting that penalizing rule-breakers is more effective than a total ban.
The regulatory landscape in Indonesia is set to shift significantly. Starting July 26, 2026, BPOM will receive a new mandate to oversee e-cigarette products under Health Law Number 17 of 2023 and Government Regulation Number 28 of 2024. Under these current frameworks, e-cigarettes remain legally permitted.
Ikrar confirmed that BPOM is fully prepared to execute this new supervisory role across the country. The agency will continue its cooperation with BNN to prevent the misuse of vapes while maintaining a legal, regulated market for adult consumers.
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