Banten Governor Andra Soni Agrees with Proposal to Ban Vape Use

Banten Governor Andra Soni has stated his agreement with the proposal from the Head of the National Narcotics Agency (BNN), Komjen Suyudi Ario Seto, to ban the circulation of vapes in Indonesia. This is due to vapes often being misused as a medium for consuming narcotic substances.

“I agree. I think it is a strategic and visionary step to save the nation’s generation from the destructive impact of drugs,” said Andra Soni in a written statement on Wednesday (8/4/2026).

According to him, drug circulation is classified as an extraordinary crime that will continually seek ways to manipulate packaging. Therefore, real supervision and anticipation are needed to prevent it.

“As the regional head in Banten, I certainly support that proposal,” he stated.

It was previously known that BNN Head Suyudi proposed a ban on the circulation of vapes in Indonesia. He conveyed this during a Working Meeting with Commission III of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) regarding the Narcotics and Psychotropics Bill, at the parliamentary complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Tuesday (7/4) prior.

His side revealed BNN’s findings on vape liquid samples.

“Currently, we are faced with the phenomenon of the massive circulation of narcotic substances in the form of vapes or electronic cigarettes. Based on the results of laboratory tests by the BNN centre on 341 vape liquid samples, we have found very shocking facts,” explained Suyudi during the meeting.

Suyudi mentioned that 11 samples contained cannabinoids or marijuana, up to one sample containing methamphetamine or sabu. He stated that BNN also found the substance etomidate, which is an anaesthetic, in the tested vape samples.

He also revealed that narcotics are developing very rapidly. He mentioned that 175 types of new psychoactive substances (NPS) have already been identified in Indonesia.

“With the facts above, it becomes a great hope for BNN that the vape ban can be implemented in Indonesia, because vapes have proven to be misused as a medium to be filled with etomidate. We view that if vapes as this medium are banned, then the circulation of etomidate can also be significantly addressed, similar to sabu which always requires a bong as a medium for consumption,” he concluded.