Prabowo Orders Total Vape Ban if Misused for Narcotics

President Prabowo Subianto is paying serious attention to cases of vape or electronic cigarette misuse. Prabowo has also given his blessing for a ban on the circulation of vapes in Indonesia if they continue to be used as a modus operandi for narcotics crimes. This mandate from Prabowo was delivered by Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago during the International Anti-Narcotics Day commemoration in Lido, Bogor. In his address, Prabowo conveyed directives regarding the governance of electronic cigarettes or vapes. “Today I instruct the Head of BNN, the Minister of Health, the Minister of Trade, the Minister of Law, the Head of the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency, and the Director General of Customs and Excise to immediately convene in a short time, formulate and strictly re-regulate the trade governance of electronic cigarettes in Indonesia,” Prabowo said in a speech read by Djamari on Thursday (23/7/2026).

Prabowo requested layered supervision of vape distribution channels. He stressed he would not hesitate to impose a total ban on vapes if they are misused for narcotics. “Carry out layered supervision on import and distribution channels. If the joint study results show that this commodity poses more risks and continues to be used as an entry point for new types of narcotics, I order you not to hesitate to implement a total ban on vapes in Indonesia,” he stated. According to him, public safety is the highest law in Indonesia. He reminded that narcotics eradication will not succeed without synergy from all parties. “The safety of the people is the supreme law of the land. Salus populi suprema lex esto. Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, the success of narcotics eradication will not be achieved without synergy from all parties,” he said.

He expressed his gratitude to all parties involved in narcotics eradication. Prabowo said synergy among various parties is needed for narcotics eradication to be carried out in Indonesia. “I express my thanks and appreciation to all stakeholders, both ministries and agencies at the central level, regional heads at the provincial to district/city levels, the private sector, religious leaders, traditional leaders, and all levels of society who have moved together in prevention, rehabilitation, and community empowerment efforts,” he stated.

At the same event, the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) highlighted the rampant misuse of vape liquids containing hazardous substances, including etomidate. BNN stated that the current pattern of narcotics threats is constantly changing by utilising mediums close to youth lifestyles. “The national prevalence data for narcotics abuse currently stands at 2.11 per cent, equivalent to 4.15 million people, with the highest increase rate dominated by adolescents aged 15 to 24, an age group that is the backbone of future development,” said BNN Head Commissioner General Suyudi Ario Seto. According to him, the narcotics threat is now evolving with the emergence of various New Psychoactive Substances (NPS). He said narcotics smuggling methods are becoming increasingly complex, even utilising media close to young people. “The threat pattern is also changing, with the emergence of various New Psychoactive Substances (NPS), increasingly complex smuggling methods, and the misuse of mediums close to youth lifestyles,” he said. “Including vape liquids that can be infiltrated with hazardous substances or narcotics. Currently, there are at least 1,452 NPS globally, of which 178 types have been identified as having entered Indonesia,” he continued.

Suyudi revealed that BNN laboratory test results on a number of vape liquid samples circulating in the community found contents of synthetic cannabinoids, metafifemin, and etomidate. “BNN laboratory test results on a number of vape liquid samples circulating in the community found the presence of synthetic cannabinoids, metafifemin, and etomidate,” he disclosed. According to him, these findings confirm that narcotics crime methods continue to adapt. Suyudi said eradication strategies must also move faster, be more integrative, and more adaptive. BNN, Suyudi said, continues to strive to realise narcotics prevention and eradication in accordance with the government’s Asta Cita. He said his agency has recommended a ban on vape use. “BNN RI has recommended a strict ban on vape or electronic cigarette products to the Indonesian House of Representatives, delivered during a hearing meeting with Commission III of the House,” he stated. “In relation to this, BNN RI has also organised FGDs and seminars on vape regulation governance with relevant stakeholders; this was then followed up by the Ministry of Health, which has responded and acted firmly by issuing Minister of Health Regulation Number 15 of 2025, which has classified etomidate as a Category 2 narcotic,” he added.