DPR Member Urges Firm Action Against Alleged Use of Children in Vape Promotions
JAKARTA - Adang Daradjatun, a member of Commission III of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), has called on law enforcement to investigate professionally, objectively and thoroughly the alleged involvement of children in the promotion of electronic cigarettes (vapes), a case currently being handled by the Jakarta Metropolitan Police. In his view, children must not be made promotional objects for products containing addictive substances.
Adang asserted that if the investigation uncovers criminal elements, the authorities must enforce the law firmly in accordance with prevailing legislation. He believes child protection must be a priority, as children are a group vulnerable to various forms of exploitation, including for commercial interests.
“Children must not be made promotional objects for products containing addictive substances. The state has an obligation to protect children from all forms of exploitation that could endanger their growth and development. If there are criminal elements, they must certainly be processed firmly under applicable law,” Adang said in a written statement on Monday (3/8/2026).
The former Deputy Chief of the Indonesian National Police believes that technological developments and social media have opened up increasingly broad promotional spaces. Therefore, content creators and digital business operators must understand that freedom of expression cannot override legal and moral responsibility, particularly when minors are involved.
According to him, children are a national asset who must be protected from various forms of exposure that could endanger their health and future. Consequently, any form of product promotion aimed at or involving children must be taken seriously by all stakeholders.
“Social media is not a lawless space. Anyone creating content must understand legal and ethical boundaries. Popularity or economic profit must never be pursued at the expense of children’s rights, which are protected by law,” he said.
The legislator from the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) faction also invited digital platforms, parents, educational institutions and society to strengthen oversight of children’s digital activities. In addition, he encouraged improved digital literacy so that children do not become targets of exploitation or promotion of products unsuitable for their age.
Furthermore, Adang affirmed his continued support for law enforcement in upholding the law professionally, transparently and justly. He also pushed for the strengthening of child protection systems in the digital sphere to prevent similar cases from recurring.
“Child protection is a shared responsibility. Children must never be used as tools to gain economic profit. Children’s safety, health and future must be prioritised above all else,” he said.