Associations support government crackdown on drug distribution via vapes

The Indonesian Personal Vaporizer Association (APVI) supports the government in taking firm action against anyone misusing electronic cigarettes or vape devices as a medium for narcotics distribution. APVI Chairman Budiyanto stated that such actions are criminal offences and must be processed according to applicable law. He added that the misuse of vapes for narcotics also harms the legal industry by creating a negative stigma against legally circulated products, which do not contain prohibited substances. Violations committed by criminals circulating illegal vapes should not be used as a basis to assess or formulate policies for the entire electronic cigarette industry. Budiyanto expressed hope that there would be no generalisation, stressing that illegal products containing narcotics are a criminal matter, so handling should target the criminals, not become a reason to restrict or ban the legal industry that has complied with all government regulations. APVI is ready to play an active role in prevention efforts through closer collaboration with stakeholders, including providing public education on the differences between legal and illegal products, developing industry compliance standards, sharing information on illegal product distribution patterns, and supporting prevention programmes. Chairman of the Indonesian E-Liquid Producers Association (PPEI), Daniel Boy Purwanto, echoed this view, stating that the misuse of vapes for narcotics is a criminal act unrelated to the legally operating and regulation-compliant electronic cigarette industry. PPEI is also ready to collaborate with the government, offering education for business actors on regulatory compliance, public awareness campaigns to distinguish legal from illegal products, and support in identifying indications of misuse in the field. Daniel added that PPEI is open to discussions on more effective supervision mechanisms to curb illegal product circulation without hindering compliant businesses. President Prabowo Subianto, in a speech read by Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago at the 2026 International Anti-Narcotics Day commemoration, instructed officials not to hesitate in implementing a total ban on vapes in Indonesia if necessary. Emphasising that the safety of the people is the highest law, Prabowo instructed the Head of the National Narcotics Agency, the Minister of Health, the Minister of Trade, the Minister of Law, the Head of the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency, and the Director General of Customs and Excise to convene immediately to formulate and strictly reorganise the governance of vape commerce in Indonesia.