DPR's Commission IX Deems Proposal to Ban Vapes Reasonable
Vice Chairman of the House of Representatives (DPR) Commission IX, Yahya Zaini, considers the discourse on banning vapes or electronic cigarettes reasonable. According to him, the proposal needs to be considered seriously.
Yahya opines that banning vapes not only closes loopholes for narcotics abuse but also serves as an effort to protect the health of the younger generation. He states that currently, young people often regard using electronic cigarettes as a lifestyle.
“Banning vapes can reduce unhealthy lifestyles, particularly among young people,” said Yahya in his written statement, quoted on Sunday, 12 April 2026.
According to him, the increase in vape usage among teenagers is often driven by the image of contemporary lifestyles. The ease of access to alternatives to conventional cigarettes due to advertisements on digital platforms is also seen as influential.
Yahya assesses that this condition makes the younger generation the most vulnerable group exposed to the negative impacts of vapes. “The safety of the younger generation must be a priority,” said this Golkar Party politician.
In addition, he encourages strengthening regulations and oversight of the contents of inhaled products circulating widely in society. The commission, which handles health matters among others, will monitor the discussion on the vape ban discourse and the strengthening of vape usage regulations.
“The state must ensure that every product circulating has strict safety standards and can be verified so that the public is not harmed,” said Yahya.
The proposal to ban vapes was put forward by the National Narcotics Agency (BNN). This discourse emerged following findings of the misuse of vape liquid as a medium for consuming narcotics.
Based on laboratory tests conducted by BNN on hundreds of electronic cigarette samples, prohibited substances such as cannabinoids, methamphetamine, and etomidate were found. Yahya also stated that he has obtained data from research on vape contents.
He said that the vapour produced by electronic cigarettes often contains toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and harmful compounds that can trigger health disorders for users. These health disorders, he said, can damage the lungs, heart, and even mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.