Indonesia weighs vape ban after narcotics found in e-liquids, amid rising Southeast Asia crackdown

Indonesia is weighing tighter controls on electronic cigarettes following a proposal by the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) to ban vape devices and liquids, citing growing evidence of their misuse as a medium for narcotics consumption.

The proposal comes amid intensified debate over vaping in Southeast Asia, where several countries, including Singapore, have already enforced comprehensive prohibitions.

National Narcotic Agency raises alarm over drug contamination

Head of the BNN, Suyudi Ario Seto, said laboratory tests had revealed the presence of narcotics in vape liquids circulating in Indonesia.

Out of 341 samples tested nationwide, 11 were found to contain synthetic cannabinoids, one contained methamphetamine, and 23 contained etomidate, an anaesthetic classified as a Class II narcotic under Indonesian regulations.

Separately, broader BNN findings indicated that more than 20 per cent of tested vape liquids contained Class I and II narcotics.

Authorities also identified substances linked to new psychoactive substances (NPS), reflecting a wider global trend.

According to the agency, 1,386 types of NPS have been detected worldwide, with 175 already present in Indonesia.

“These findings show that vape liquids are no longer limited to nicotine,” Suyudi told lawmakers during a hearing with Commission III of the House of Representatives in Jakarta on Tuesday.

“They are being mixed with substances that can damage the central nervous system and cause dependency.”

Proposal to include vapes in narcotics law

The BNN has proposed that electronic cigarettes and their liquid components be included in prohibitions under the Draft Law on Narcotics and Psychotropics.

The agency argues that restricting the devices themselves could curb drug consumption, drawing parallels with efforts to control paraphernalia used for other narcotics.

The recommendation was also discussed during a multi-agency forum involving the Ministry of Health, the National Research and Innovation Agency, and the Food and Drug Monitoring Agency.

Participants called for stricter oversight of production, distribution, and use, alongside public education on health risks.

Government reviewing policy options

Indonesia has not formally banned vapes at the national level, but the issue is under active review.

The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs and other agencies are continuing discussions to align regulatory, legal, and public health frameworks.

The World Health Organization has also urged Indonesia to consider a ban, noting rising usage among adolescents aged 13 to 15, in some cases exceeding adult usage rates.

Health authorities warn that vape products may contain harmful chemicals such as diacetyl, which has been linked to severe lung disease, as well as carcinogens.

In contrast, Singapore has enforced a nationwide ban on vape products since 2018, with stricter enforcement measures introduced in 2025.

Under Singapore law, the possession, use, purchase, or import of vapes is prohibited. First-time offenders may face fines of up to S$2,000 (approximately IDR 23 million), while repeat offenders risk fines of up to S$10,000 (around IDR 115 million), imprisonment, or both. Importers and distributors are subject to similar penalties, including jail terms of up to six months.

Authorities in Singapore also conduct strict border inspections, and travellers found carrying vape devices or components may have them confiscated and face enforcement action.

Debate over effectiveness of a ban

Despite the BNN’s position, some public health experts have cautioned that a total ban could lead to the emergence of illicit markets if enforcement capacity is insufficient. Such developments, they argue, could complicate monitoring and increase public risk.

Nevertheless, the BNN maintains that decisive action is necessary to address evolving patterns of drug misuse, particularly those affecting younger populations.

As discussions continue, Indonesia’s policy direction remains uncertain. Authorities are awaiting further input from stakeholders and reviewing potential legal mechanisms, including amendments to narcotics legislation.

The outcome will determine whether Indonesia follows regional counterparts such as Singapore in imposing a full ban or adopts a regulatory approach focused on tighter controls and enforcement.