Regarding Vapes, DPR Pushes for Stricter Regulations Rather Than Total Ban

VIVA – Deputy Chairman of Commission VII of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Lamhot Sinaga, has highlighted discussions on banning electronic cigarettes (vapes) in Indonesia. According to him, the government needs to formulate balanced policies towards the electronic cigarette industry (REL), while still safeguarding public health without sacrificing the sustainability of the business sector.

“The state must consider the sustainability of the industry and the fate of workers who depend on this sector for their livelihood. Good regulation is regulation that can maintain a balance between health protection and economic sustainability,” said Lamhot, quoted from a written statement on Thursday, 23 April 2026.

According to him, regulation of the REL industry should be carried out proportionally and based on data. He assessed that the government’s recognition of electronic cigarettes as a taxable object since 2018 shows that this sector has become part of the national formal economy.

Lamhot also highlighted the significant growth of the vape industry, both in the domestic and global markets. This industry, he said, is capable of absorbing a large number of workers and has shown an increasing export trend in recent years.

Nevertheless, he emphasised the importance of quality and product safety supervision to curb the circulation of illegal vapes. According to him, the government already has instruments in the form of the Indonesian National Standard (SNI) which can serve as a reference for comprehensive industry regulation.

“If it is then banned outright, the impact will not only be on the industry, but also on workers, state revenues, and export earnings. This must be considered comprehensively before making a decision,” he stressed.