Abdul Muhaimin Iskandar has urged the government to establish clearer and stronger regulations governing the use and distribution of vape or electronic cigarettes, amid growing concerns that these devices are increasingly being misused as a channel for illegal substances.
Speaking on Sunday, Iskandar warned that the rapid rise in vape usage among young people should not be treated merely as a lifestyle trend, but as a developing public health and security concern that requires urgent policy attention.
He emphasized that authorities must move beyond reactive measures and instead adopt a comprehensive regulatory framework that includes strict oversight, systematic enforcement, and large-scale public education campaigns targeting younger generations.
“We must not be merely reactive,” Iskandar said. “The government must ensure clear regulations, strong supervision, and massive education for the younger generation.”
The minister stressed that failure to address the issue decisively could expose Indonesia’s youth to long-term risks, particularly as new methods of drug distribution become more sophisticated and harder to detect.
According to him, the misuse of vape devices as a medium for distributing illicit substances represents an emerging challenge that requires coordinated action across multiple sectors, including families, schools, and law enforcement agencies.
He also highlighted the importance of treating the issue with a balanced approach, one that is firm in combating drug-related crimes while also being grounded in accurate data and evidence.
“We must be firm against drugs, but also smart in understanding the phenomenon,” he said. “We must not take the wrong steps due to a lack of data, but we must also not be late in taking action.”
Iskandar added that an evidence-based policy approach is essential to avoid unnecessary public panic while ensuring that protective measures remain effective and targeted. He called for improved data collection and analysis to better understand how vape products are being used and potentially misused in different communities.
The minister further underscored the need for cross-sector collaboration, noting that no single institution can address the issue alone. He said that government agencies, educators, parents, and civil society organizations must work together to build awareness and strengthen preventive measures.
His remarks come amid growing debate in Indonesia over the regulation of electronic cigarettes, which have gained popularity among teenagers and young adults in recent years. While often marketed as an alternative to traditional smoking, concerns have been rising about their unregulated use and potential links to illicit substances.
Separately, Head of the National Narcotics Agency Suyudi Ario Seto raised similar concerns during a meeting with the House of Representatives on April 7, 2026. He proposed that vape devices and their liquid contents be formally regulated under the country’s narcotics and psychotropics legislation.
The proposal reflects growing institutional awareness of the potential risks associated with vape products, particularly as enforcement agencies report evolving tactics used by drug traffickers to evade detection.
Seto’s remarks suggest that Indonesia may move toward a more stringent legal framework that classifies certain vape-related substances under controlled drug categories, depending on their composition and use.
Public health experts have also increasingly called for clearer regulation of vape products, citing gaps in oversight, inconsistent labeling standards, and limited monitoring of imported liquids and devices.
At the same time, policymakers face the challenge of balancing public health protection with economic considerations, as the vape industry has expanded significantly in recent years and involves a wide network of retailers and distributors.
Iskandar’s call for regulation reflects a broader shift in government thinking, where vape use is no longer viewed solely through the lens of smoking alternatives, but also as a potential vector for substance abuse.
He reiterated that protecting the younger generation must remain a national priority, particularly as digital platforms and global supply chains make access to new substances easier than ever before.
The minister’s statement is expected to contribute to ongoing policy discussions in Indonesia regarding tobacco alternatives, narcotics control, and youth protection strategies.
As debates continue, authorities are increasingly expected to develop a regulatory framework that addresses both the health implications and security risks associated with vape products, while ensuring that enforcement remains proportionate and data-driven.
For now, the government’s position signals a move toward tighter oversight, with stronger coordination between health, education, and security institutions likely to shape future policy direction on electronic cigarette regulation in Indonesia.
