To Prevent New Drug Trafficking Methods, Cak Imin Pushes for Clearer Vape Regulations

Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment, Muhaimin Iskandar or Cak Imin, believes there is a need for clear regulations regarding the use of vapes or electronic cigarettes. This was stated by Cak Imin as he highlighted the misuse of vapes, which are now frequently abused and have even become a new method for drug trafficking. “We must not be merely reactive. The government must ensure there are clear regulations, strong supervision, and massive education for the younger generation,” said Cak Imin in Jakarta, as reported by ANTARA on Monday, 20 April 2026. Cak Imin explained that the government must not be complacent about this phenomenon. Moreover, this phenomenon cannot be viewed merely as a lifestyle trend among the youth but must be seen as a real threat to their future. In addition, he said that the changing patterns of drug trafficking, which are becoming increasingly sophisticated, demand vigilance from all parties, including families, educational institutions, and law enforcement officials. “We must not be complacent, because this could become a new entry point that we are unaware of, even in pesantren environments that we have long protected,” he stated. Cak Imin, who is also the General Chairman of the National Awakening Party (PKB), said that pesantren and school environments must be strengthened to prevent the opening of gaps for such dangerous practices. He views the importance of a wise and data-based approach in addressing this issue to avoid excessive panic in society while still providing maximum protection for the younger generation. “The approach must be balanced. We must be firm against drugs, but also intelligent in reading the phenomenon. We must not make wrong steps due to lack of data, but also not act too late,” said Cak Imin. Cak Imin also places great hope that the misuse of vapes as a container for drug trafficking can be handled comprehensively through cross-sector collaboration. “In this way, educational spaces, including pesantren, remain safe and conducive places for shaping the character of the nation’s generation,” he said. Meanwhile, the Head of the National Narcotics Agency (BNN), Suyudi Ario Seto, during a meeting with Commission III of the House of Representatives on 7 April 2026, once proposed a ban on vapes with their liquids to be regulated in the Draft Law on Narcotics and Psychotropics.