PBNU: Government Must Strictly Monitor Misuse of Vapes

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Central Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) is pushing the government to focus on an education-based approach as well as strict oversight through regulations to prevent the misuse of vapes or electronic cigarettes as a medium for spreading narcotics. Therefore, strict restrictions or even bans could be part of preventive measures that align with the principle of preserving life (hifz al-nafs). “However, if their use remains within legal limits and is not misused, what is more encouraged is education, oversight, and regulation, not a total ban,” said Gus Fahrur when contacted from Jakarta on Thursday (9/4/2026). This type of etomidate narcotic is used via electronic cigarettes with vapes or pods. Currently, this substance has been included in Group II narcotics in accordance with Ministry of Health Regulation Number 15 of 2025 on Changes to Narcotics Classification, established on 21 November 2025. The main focus must be directed towards preventing loopholes for misuse, given that vapes are currently an official and legal product sold in Indonesia. “This means it should not be outright banned, but we encourage policies that are proportional and based on public benefit,” he said. According to him, strict rules must focus on overseeing distribution so that vapes are not used as a medium for distributing narcotics. This approach is considered aligned with the principle of preserving life within the framework of societal welfare. Therefore, Gus Fahrur believes it does not need to be included in the Narcotics Bill and encourages specific regulations targeting the modus operandi of vape misuse for prohibited substances. “I think vapes do not need to be banned in the Narcotics Bill, but rather we encourage stricter specific regulations on the modus operandi of vape misuse for narcotics,” he said.