Indonesia's BNN proposes vape ban amid rising narcotics concerns

The move comes amid growing concerns that vaping products are being used as a vehicle for narcotics distribution.

BNN chief Suyudi Ario Seto told lawmakers at the parliamentary complex, Tuesday, that laboratory tests on 341 vape liquid samples revealed alarming findings: 11 contained synthetic cannabinoids, one contained methamphetamine, and 23 contained etomidate, an anesthetic recently classified as a category II narcotic under Indonesia’s health regulations.

He warned that enforcement under current health laws carries lighter penalties, making it harder to curb abuse.

Seto noted that several ASEAN countries—including Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Brunei, and Laos—have already banned vapes outright.

He argued that prohibiting vape devices in Indonesia would significantly reduce circulation of illicit chemical compounds, comparing the devices to bongs used for methamphetamine consumption.

The agency also highlighted the rapid global spread of new psychoactive substances (NPS), with 1,386 identified worldwide and 175 already circulating in Indonesia.

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Translator: Bagus, Kenzu