APVI says vape industry workers are affected by drug abuse concerns

Jakarta — The Indonesian Personal Vaporizer Association (APVI) says workers and operators of legal vape businesses are the most affected by the growing issue of drug abuse using electronic cigarette devices. APVI General Chairman Budiyanto said the stigma around vaping affects consumer trust and is starting to impact the viability of businesses and the livelihoods of workers in the sector. ‘What has happened in several cases is abuse by individuals who put prohibited substances into the devices. Such practices are not part of the ecosystem of the legal vape industry,’ Budiyanto said in a written statement received in Jakarta on Friday. He said the legal vape industry has to date operated within the legal framework, including excise duties and business licensing. Budiyanto assessed that generalising about the entire industry would create new pressure on legitimate business operators, particularly SMEs and retail workers. He noted that several vape shops have begun to see a decline in customers due to rising public concern. ‘Workers become the most vulnerable to impact, because a decline in business activity directly affects income stability and the continuity of their jobs,’ he added. APVI notes that the legal vape industry currently involves nearly 150,000 workers across various sectors, from retail, distribution, liquid manufacturing, to creative entrepreneurs and SMEs. In addition, the industry is said to have around 2.4 million active users and contribute to state revenue through excise of around Rp2.8 trillion. ‘Some of our members cannot continue renting because business owners fear the discourse; some have faced persecution by local residents who think they are selling drugs,’ Fachmi said. He added that legal operators have no connection with the drug misuse practices carried out by certain individuals. APVI and ARVINDO said they support steps to eradicate drugs and strict monitoring of vape device misuse, but requested that policies implemented remain proportionate and not harm the legal industry. ‘We support strong supervision of the vape industry and are ready to implement various control policies set by the government,’ Fachmi said.