The World Health Organization’s (WHO) representative in Indonesia has called for urgent and decisive action to protect children and adolescents from the growing threat of tobacco and nicotine addiction, including a full ban on electronic cigarettes or vaping products.
The health agency warned that the tobacco industry is actively targeting young people through sophisticated marketing strategies, including fruit and candy flavourings, colourful packaging, sleek product designs, and aggressive promotion on social media through influencers.
“Electronic cigarettes and other nicotine products are harmful. These products are deliberately designed to attract young people and create addiction,” said Dr. N. Paranietharan, WHO Representative for Indonesia, in a written statement on Friday (29/05).
According to the Global School-Based Health Survey 2023, around 20% of Indonesian students aged 13–17 have used tobacco products, while 12% reported using electronic cigarettes or vaping devices.
WHO warned that nicotine exposure during adolescence can disrupt brain development and significantly increase the risk of long-term addiction. Scientific evidence also suggests that vaping can act as a gateway to conventional smoking and contribute to dual use of both traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes.
The WHO office in Indonesia has expressed strong support for a ban on vaping products as part of broader efforts to curb rising nicotine use among young people. If implemented, Indonesia would join more than 40 countries that have already banned e-cigarettes, including several in Southeast Asia such as Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Timor-Leste.
Beyond vaping restrictions, WHO also urged the Indonesian government to expedite the implementation of a draft Health Ministry regulation on tobacco product packaging and labelling. The proposed rule would require larger, graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging to strengthen public awareness of health risks.
According to WHO, large and prominent health warnings have been proven effective in reducing the appeal of tobacco products and increasing awareness of their dangers. The organisation also stressed the urgency of implementing the policy, noting that Government Regulation No. 28/2024 mandates its full enforcement no later than the end of July 2026.
WHO further called for long-term political commitment to achieving a tobacco-free generation in Indonesia, saying stronger policy action is needed to break the cycle of nicotine addiction among young people.
The agency pointed to international examples, noting that some countries have already introduced generational bans on tobacco sales for people born from specific years, including policies targeting cohorts born in 2007 and 2009 and later.
“These bold measures will decisively break the cycle of addiction. Indonesia needs to act now. Let us end the harms of tobacco and nicotine and protect future generations,” Paranietharan said.
WHO reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Indonesia in strengthening evidence-based tobacco control policies aimed at improving public health outcomes and safeguarding the next generation.
