Ministry of Health to Implement Rules Equating Vapes with Cigarettes Starting July

The Ministry of Health (MoH) is preparing the implementation of regulations on electronic cigarettes or vapes as stipulated in Government Regulation No. 28 of 2024. Vapes will be equated with conventional cigarettes.

“The regulation of electronic cigarettes in Government Regulation No. 28 of 2024 covers age restrictions, advertising controls, and product content standards,” said the Head of the Bureau of Communication and Public Services of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, Aji Muhawarman, as reported by Antara on Friday (17/4/2026).

According to him, the regulation prohibits the use of electronic cigarettes by citizens under 21 years of age. The rules will also limit vape advertisements, including on social media.

In addition, vape products are required to meet maximum nicotine content standards and are not permitted to use additives that have a negative impact on health. He stated that the regulation also mandates the inclusion of pictorial health warnings and prohibits the use of vapes in smoke-free areas.

Aji explained that the implementation of the regulation is planned to begin in July 2026. The government is still in the preparation stage for implementation.

The Ministry of Health is also preparing derivative regulations in the form of ministerial regulations and ministerial decisions as guidelines for control.

“We are also conducting socialisation and education regarding the health impacts of electronic cigarettes together with health organisations and professional organisations,” said Aji.

A professor in the Department of Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Prof Faisal Yunus, assessed that strengthening regulations is still necessary to protect public health. He said that the ease of access to vape products, attractive flavours, and marketing targeting young people must be a concern.

“Regulations still need to be strengthened to suppress usage rates and protect vulnerable populations,” he said when contacted by Antara on Wednesday.

He stated that several countries have begun implementing stricter policies, such as banning disposable products, restricting the use of flavouring substances, and controlling advertisements. According to him, these steps demonstrate global awareness that vapes can pose new risks if widely used by adolescents.