Cak Imin Calls for Clear Regulations to Prevent Vape Misuse

Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment, Abdul Muhaimin Iskandar, commonly known as Cak Imin, has stressed the necessity for clear regulations and stringent supervision regarding the misuse of vapes or electronic cigarettes. This statement was made in response to the rising cases of vape misuse, which are now also being used as a new modus operandi in narcotics distribution. Cak Imin reminded the government not to merely adopt a reactive stance in addressing this phenomenon. There must be concrete actions. “We must not be merely reactive. The government must ensure clear regulations, strong supervision, and massive education for the younger generation,” he said in Jakarta on Sunday (19/4), as reported by Antara. Cak Imin emphasised that the government must not be complacent. Vape misuse is not just a lifestyle trend, but a serious threat to the future of the younger generation. The increasingly sophisticated patterns of narcotics distribution demand vigilance from various parties, including families, educational institutions, and law enforcement apparatus. “We must not be complacent, because this could become a new gateway that we are unaware of, even in pesantren environments that we have long guarded,” Cak Imin added. He also highlighted the importance of strengthening pesantren and school environments to prevent such dangerous practices. Cak Imin invited all parties to adopt a wise and data-based approach to avoid excessive panic, while still providing maximum protection for the younger generation. “The approach must be balanced. We must be firm against narcotics, but also intelligent in reading phenomena. We must not make wrong steps due to lack of data, but also not act too late,” he stated. Cak Imin hopes that the misuse of vapes as a medium for narcotics distribution can be handled comprehensively through cross-sectoral collaboration so that educational spaces remain safe and conducive for shaping the character of the nation’s younger generation. Previously, in a meeting with Commission III of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) on 7 April 2026, the Head of the National Narcotics Agency (BNN), Suyudi Ario Seto, proposed banning vapes and their liquids in the Draft Law on Narcotics and Psychotropics.