Business Operators' Response to BNN Statement on Alleged Vape Misuse
The electronic cigarette or vape industry association in Indonesia has expressed objections to a statement from the National Narcotics Board (BNN) that labels vape as a gateway to drug trafficking.
Industry representatives are concerned that the statement could trigger discourse for a total vape ban, which they believe would have the potential to devastate the ecosystem of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (UMKM) and employment in the sector.
I Gede Agus Mahartika, General Chair of the Vaporiser Association of Bali (AVB), has affirmed that vape is a legal product that has been regulated under various government policies. He appreciates the BNN’s efforts in combating narcotics, but contends that a total ban is not the correct solution.
“Vape is a legal product that has been regulated under various policies. What needs to be combated is its misuse, not the product itself. I do not agree if vape is labelled as an illegal product across the board,” Agus stated on Friday, 27 February 2026.
According to Agus, the government should instead strengthen regulation and oversight of vape product distribution to prevent the infiltration of banned substances, rather than halting the operations of an industry that has been functioning legitimately.
He emphasised the importance of distinguishing between legitimate business operators who comply with regulations and criminal elements who misuse vape devices.
Agus also noted that the vape association has continuously worked with law enforcement agencies, including the police, customs authorities, and the BNN, to report suspicious activities.
Based on the results of several inspections of vape shops, Agus claims that no narcotics were found, whilst misuse has predominantly been discovered in the form of illegal cartridges in nightlife venues.
Agus added that industry players are prepared to become government partners in safeguarding product integrity through distribution oversight, implementation of quality standards, consumer education, and coordination with authorities if violations are discovered.