West Java Provincial Government Prepares Rules Banning Civil Servants from Using Vapes

BANDUNG — The West Java Provincial Government is preparing rules to prohibit civil servants (ASN) and non-civil-service staff from using e-cigarettes, or vapes, in the provincial government environment. The policy follows Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) Fatwa No. 131 of 2026, which declares vape use haram (forbidden).

West Java Regional Civil Service Agency head Dedi Supandi said a circular on the ban was being prepared. His agency has also begun informing civil servants about the policy.

“If the government or an institution has announced a ban, then we, as civil servants, will of course comply with it,” he said on Saturday (14 November 2026).

He said the circular was expected to be issued soon. The policy will apply within the West Java Provincial Government and must be followed.

“Vapes are not only a health risk, but could also be misused as a means of distributing narcotics,” he said.

He said this could undermine discipline and the example civil servants are expected to set. The policy is intended to protect the health of staff and the public, prevent narcotics abuse and strengthen the implementation of smoke-free zones.

“We are discussing with the Legal Bureau whether this will apply only during working hours or more broadly. That is one of the considerations, including its relationship with smoke-free-zone regulations,” he said.

He said the rules would cover procedures for handling violations, staff guidance and the enforcement of disciplinary measures, in accordance with legislation and each employee’s employment status.

On sanctions, Dedi said violations would be handled in stages by the relevant regional agencies. Disciplinary punishment would follow if a violation affected an employee’s discipline.

“The sanctions for those who breach the rules will clearly be applied in stages. Once the circular has been issued, the relevant regional agency will handle the matter first,” he said.