Indonesian Youth Vaping Surge Linked to Misleading 'Safer' Claims

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Indonesian youth are increasingly smoking, including using e-cigarettes. The phenomenon is due to campaigns claiming vaping is safer than traditional cigarettes.

BPOM Chief Taruna Ikrar cited data showing 7.4% of children and adolescents aged 10-18 are active smokers, exceeding 5 million.

“Electronic cigarette use has surged due to industry-promoted harm reduction narratives, despite no conclusive evidence that e-cigarettes are safer than conventional cigarettes,” Taruna Ikrar said, quoted from BPOM’s official website on Monday, 1 June 2026.

Although touted as safer, Taruna Ikrar stated e-cigarettes remain hazardous, containing addictive substances like nicotine, toxic compounds, and carcinogens that lead to dependency and harm health.

Additionally, vape devices have been misused in some cases to deliver new psychoactive substances (NPS) and other dangerous chemicals.

He emphasised that comprehensive, cross-sectoral oversight of e-cigarette products is essential. BPOM plays a key role in post-market regulation of tobacco and e-cigarette products under Government Regulation No. 28 of 2024, which implements Law No. 17 of 2023 on Health.

BPOM will ensure businesses comply with nicotine limits, prohibited additives, and graphic health warnings. Enhanced monitoring includes BPOM Regulation No. 18 on Tobacco and E-Cigarette Product Oversight and Regulation No. 19 of 2025 on Guidelines for Drug and Addictive Substance Monitoring Follow-up.

Additionally, BPOM is running a pilot project for tobacco and e-cigarette oversight in several regions throughout 2025, revealing the need for improved compliance, particularly in protecting children and adolescents.

“To support more modern and integrated oversight, BPOM has developed BPOM-WATCH (Web-based Application for Tobacco Control Hub), a digital reporting system to strengthen accountability in monitoring business compliance,” he said.

He also urged all parties—academics, researchers, health communities, local governments, and the public—to strengthen oversight and education to protect Indonesian youth.

“Let us collectively break the chain of addiction and build a healthier environment for future generations through robust oversight, consistent education, and sustained collaboration. Be Smart, Don’t Start,” he concluded.