Industry pushes for collaborative discussion regarding electronic cigarette risks
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Three associations within the alternative/electronic cigarette industry are pushing for collaborative discussions with research institutions regarding studies on risks within the sector, particularly concerning health.
The General Chairman of the Indonesian Vape Retail Association (ARVINDO), Fachmi K. Firmansyah, stated that claims regarding health risks could impact business operators. He noted, in a statement confirmed in Jakarta on Tuesday, that the character of this sector involves many local entrepreneurs and is labour-intensive.
“Our industry, especially the open system industry, is a labour-intensive industry. From upstream to downstream, all players are local,” said Fahmi.
Meanwhile, the General Chairman of the Indonesian Personal Vaporizer Association (APVI), Budiyanto, stated that his organisation does not deny the existence of health risks associated with the use of products in this industry. However, he noted that research results presented to the public need to be explained comprehensively, including the context, research methods, samples, and health indicators used.
According to him, there have previously been several studies regarding electronic cigarette products, including research published in 2025 that compared various parameters within the tobacco industry. “If there is new evidence, we are ready to study it and support any necessary follow-up,” he said.
The General Chairman of the Indonesian E-liquid Entrepreneurs Association (PPEI), Daniel Boy Purwanto, stated that industry players are open to scientific findings, including if research results indicate health risks. He added that the industry is prepared to conduct evaluations and product improvements if strong scientific evidence is presented.
“We are not closing ourselves off; if the results turn out to be negative, we may also undertake improvements to our products,” said Daniel.
Previously, the Chairman of the Indonesian Vape Consumer Association (AKVINDO), Paido Siahaan, expressed hope that the misuse of drugs through electronic cigarettes or vapes would be handled in a measured manner. “The misuse of vapes must be dealt with firmly. However, the handling must distinguish between legal products marketed according to regulations and illegal products that are misused to introduce narcotic substances,” Paido said in a statement in Jakarta on Saturday (26/9).
He argued that equating legal and illegal products risks obscuring the primary focus of narcotics eradication. Therefore, the government is expected to be wise in distinguishing legal products from illegal vapes that are misused for narcotics. This distinction is considered vital so that government efforts to eradicate drug abuse can be precisely targeted.
Legal vapes are marketed through official channels, carry excise stamps, and target adult consumers, including smokers seeking lower-risk alternatives. In contrast, illegal vapes misused for narcotics are black market products that do not pay excise duty but are sold at very high prices, reaching millions of rupiah.