Legal Vape Industry Ready to Partner with Government to Combat Illegal Products
The Indonesian vape industry has voiced its disapproval of the National Narcotics Agency’s (BNN) statement that vape products serve as an entry point for narcotics distribution. The prospect of a total ban on vape is seen as an unwise measure that could cripple the growing Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) ecosystem and their contributions to the state.
Chairman of the Bali Vaporizer Association (AVB), I Gede Agus Mahartika, expressed his objection to the labeling of vape as an illegal product. He appreciates BNN’s efforts in combating narcotics but strongly opposes a total ban on vape, arguing that it is not the appropriate solution.
“Vape is a legal product that has been regulated through various policies. What needs to be addressed is its misuse, not the product itself. I disagree with labeling vape as a completely illegal product,” Agus said.
He proposed strengthening regulations and strict supervision instead of imposing a ban. Agus stated that the government should clearly differentiate between legitimate businesses that comply with regulations and criminals who misuse vape technology.
“Regulations should improve governance and minimize risks, not eliminate a legal sector that has contributed to the economy,” he added.
Agus mentioned that various vape associations have been actively cooperating with law enforcement agencies, including the police, customs, and BNN, to report suspicious activities. Field data shows that out of dozens of vape shops inspected, none were found to contain narcotics, while illegal substances are often found in entertainment venues in the form of illegal cartridges.
Agus affirmed that they are ready to partner with the government in maintaining product integrity and preventing the introduction of prohibited substances. “The industry can strengthen distribution supervision, implement strict quality standards, provide consumer education, and cooperate with law enforcement agencies if any violations are found,” he concluded.
In line with Agus, Chairman of the Indonesian Vape Retail Association (ARVINDO), Fachmi Kurnia Firmansyah, expressed confusion over the significant pressure on the legally established vape industry, while other media platforms, which are also often misused for narcotics, do not receive similar treatment.
“Frankly, I am confused. We, as industry players and users, often wonder about the strong push for a vape ban. Is this purely for the public interest, or are there other considerations?” he said.
Fachmi emphasized that vape is merely a legal tool used and traded. However, it often becomes a victim and is misinterpreted due to misuse by drug dealers. In reality, drug abuse can use various mediums, but it seems that only vape is being targeted.
According to Fachmi, the proposed total ban on vape products contradicts the spirit of President Prabowo Subianto’s Asta Cita program, which emphasizes job creation and strengthening MSMEs, considering that the vape industry has absorbed hundreds of thousands of workers from upstream to downstream.
“The government would be the same as losing to drug dealers if they can eliminate a legitimate and legal industry simply because they misuse vape as an intermediary,” he added.
In addition to the drug issue, he also refuted BNN’s claim that the narrative of vape as a smoking cessation tool is an illusion. Fachmi referred to policies in developed countries like the UK, which use vape as an aid for conventional smokers to quit smoking.
“Vape as a smoking cessation tool has been practiced for a long time by the UK government. There is research and many journals on this. In Indonesia, there is a government agency that has compared vape with other products. Everyone is turning a blind eye to the journals and research we provide,” Fachmi explained.
He believes that the pressure on the vape sector is a natural reaction to a rapidly growing disruptive product. Fachmi likened the current industry situation to the emergence of ride-hailing services, which faced strong opposition in the past.
“When many local industries collapsed, vape is an industry where local players are still the masters in their own country. We hope that this industry will not continue to be pressured so that it can continue to contribute to state revenue,” he concluded.
The BNN is monitoring the impact of the conflict between drug cartels in Mexico, which is starting to affect the map of the narcotics supply chain to Indonesia.
The BNN’s focus should be directed at illegal actors, not on accusing all actors in the legal industry who have complied with the rules.
The BNN destroyed evidence from the disclosure of five narcotics-related criminal cases and secured 10 suspects.
The BNN reaffirmed its commitment to combating narcotics comprehensively, both through firm action and prevention.
Head of the BNN, Police Commissioner General Suyudi Ario Seto, stated that the stability of national security depends heavily on the success of narcotics handling.