BNN Discusses Potential Collaboration to Prevent Misuse of E-Cigarettes
The East Java Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin Jatim), which oversees Non-Tobacco Excise, the Tobacco Industry (IHT), and Inter-Agency Relations, held a meeting with the National Narcotics Agency (BNN). The state of Indonesia’s electronic cigarette (vape) industry was the main topic of the meeting. Kadin Jatim, together with BNN, formulated strategic steps to respond to the discourse on a ban on the circulation of vape-type electronic cigarettes. This effort is a follow-up by Kadin Jatim in addressing the concerns of vape industry players regarding the prospect of a total ban on the product.
Vape industry players had strongly rejected BNN’s proposal to push for a total ban on vape circulation and suggested including it in a revision of the Narkotika and Psikotropika Law currently under consideration by the House of Representatives (DPR RI). They argued that such a proposal would kill the legal vape industry, driven by UMKM (micro, small and medium enterprises). Not to mention domino effects such as job losses and the potential loss of excise revenue that contributes to state income.
Understanding these concerns, Kadin Jatim and BNN agreed that there should be broader and more comprehensive scientific studies and strong field data to support objections to the proposal to be submitted. The results will be formally conveyed to policy makers. ‘In this meeting, it was agreed that the industry will strengthen scientific studies and field data to convey formal objections to policy makers (over the idea of a total ban on vape circulation),’ he said.
Kadin Jatim will also promote regulatory improvements to prevent the use of vape as a narcotics medium by illegal syndicates. In a separate statement, Supiyanto, head of the BNN Narcotics Laboratory Centre, said that no narcotics were found in legally sold vape products on the market. BNN reminded the legal industry to strengthen its firewall and mitigation against products in line with existing regulatory standards. While Kadin Jatim is committed to ensuring the industry continues to operate without misuse to protect the business climate and public safety.
To follow up on the meeting’s outcome, Kadin Jatim, together with BNN and related associations, will immediately coordinate. They will cooperate to ensure the continuity of factory operations and jobs in East Java. According to data from the Indonesia Vape Retail Association (Arvindo), tax revenue from the electronic cigarette industry in 2025 is projected to reach Rp2.8 trillion. Meanwhile, turnover from top to bottom could reach Rp10 trillion. The vape industry has also absorbed more than 200,000 workers, a figure expected to rise as vape retail expands, producers invest, and large corporations broaden their investments.