North Sumatra Government Issues Vape Ban for Civil Servants and Regional Employees
The North Sumatra Provincial Government (Pemprov Sumut) has issued a ban on the use of vapes or e-cigarettes for civil servants (ASN), non-ASN staff, and employees of Regional Owned Enterprises (BUMD) across North Sumatra.
The ban is stipulated in the North Sumatra Governor’s Instruction Number: 188.54/3/INST/2026 regarding the Prohibition of Vapes or E-cigarettes in North Sumatra, which is addressed to all regents and mayors throughout the province.
“This instruction serves as an anticipatory step to protect the community, particularly the younger generation, from the dangers of drug abuse,” said the Head of the North Sumatra Provincial Communications and Informatics Office, Erwin Hotmansah Harahap, in Medan on Wednesday.
He continued that the misuse of narcotic substances in vape liquids is considered to be increasing massively in Indonesia, which poses long-term health risks, especially for the youth of North Sumatra.
Through this instruction, the Governor of North Sumatra also requests all regents and mayors across the province to supervise and monitor the implementation of the e-cigarette ban within their respective jurisdictions.
Any civil servants, non-ASN staff, or BUMD employees found in violation will be subject to disciplinary sanctions in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
“Regents and mayors are also requested to create or install signs prohibiting the use of e-cigarettes or vapes in strategic, highly visible areas,” said Erwin.
Furthermore, he noted that regional heads across North Sumatra are also asked to encourage community organisations, tourism businesses—such as hotels and restaurants—as well as trade unions, transport companies, sports organisations, and hospital directors to implement bans on e-cigarette use for their workers, employees, or members.
“This instruction is a follow-up to the recommendation from the National Narcotics Board (BNN) regarding a total ban on the use of e-cigarettes. Based on BNN studies, e-cigarettes are vulnerable to being used as a medium for the distribution of liquid narcotics and other dangerous substances,” Erwin added.