Parliament: Vape Ban Should Not Be Rushed, Despite Narcotics Findings

VIVA – A member of Commission III of the Indonesian House of Representatives from the PKB faction, Abdullah, has warned that the policy of a total ban on electronic cigarettes (vapes) should not be carried out hastily.

The statement was made in response to calls for a ban from the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) during a meeting with Commission III of the House of Representatives, after narcotics content was found in hundreds of illegal liquid samples circulating in society.

“Such a policy must go through thorough stages. Many small and medium enterprises (UMKM) actors depend on vape sales, and not a few people also use them,” said Abdullah in a written statement on Friday, 10 April 2026.

According to him, reactive policies without in-depth studies could potentially create new, more complex problems. Nevertheless, he acknowledges that the BNN laboratory findings regarding narcotics content in vape liquids are a serious fact that cannot be ignored.

Abdullah emphasised the importance of a data-based approach in formulating policies. He stated that comprehensive solutions are needed so that anti-drug eradication efforts remain effective without sacrificing the economic and social aspects of society.

“If it is proven that there is systemic misuse for drug distribution, support for the ban is certainly there. However, the policy must go through very thorough stages, be data-based, and not be done abruptly,” he said.

Furthermore, he highlighted that the vape products misused in the BNN findings are illegal products that do not have excise stamps. This indicates that the main issue lies in the circulation of illegal products, not the entire vape ecosystem that has been regulated.

Abdullah assessed that drug distribution through vapes is indeed a real threat, especially to the younger generation. However, he reminded that handling steps must remain proportional so as not to damage the ecosystem of legal businesses that comply with applicable regulations.

For information, the Narcotics and Psychotropics Bill is currently included in the list of changes to the 2026 Priority National Legislation Programme (Prolegnas), which covers discussions of 64 bills. The discussion of the bill becomes an important momentum in determining policy directions related to narcotics handling, including regulations on vape products in Indonesia.