Deputy Chairman of Commission III of the House of Representatives, Ahmad Sahroni.

progresifjaya.co.id, JAKARTA – Commission III of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) fully supports the National Narcotics Agency’s (BNN) proposal to ban e-cigarettes, or vapes, and include them in the Narcotics Bill.

This statement of support was delivered directly by the Deputy Chairman of Commission III of the DPR, Ahmad Sahroni, in a written statement on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. He believes, that vapes are now vulnerable to being used as containers for new types of drugs. Cartridges, the containers used to store e-liquid (vape liquid) in e-cigarettes, particularly pod systems, are often misused with narcotics.

Furthermore, the cartridges, which hold the liquid, are usually integrated with a coil (heater) that converts the liquid into vapor. This presents a unique challenge for officers in eradicating narcotics.

“If its adoption becomes increasingly widespread and unstoppable, then as the Chair of Commission III, i support its inclusion in the Narcotics Bill,” said Sahroni.

He also considered the proposal a smart signal regarding the existence of vaping as a vehicle for drug distribution. Therefore, it must be followed up immediately.

“If the Head of the BNN has submitted such a proposal, it means its circulation has become too massive and far more dangerous than we anticipated. This is a warning signal,” said Sahroni.

He also stated, that addressing this situation requires a solution-based regulatory intervention. This can be achieved through discussion and deliberation with all relevant parties.

Previously, the Head of the National Narcotics Agency (BNN), Komjen Pol Suyudi Ario Seto, had advocated for a ban on e-cigarettes or vapes with liquids in the Draft Law (RUU) on Narcotics and Psychotropics. He stated that Indonesia is currently facing the phenomenon of the massive circulation of narcotics in the form of vapes.

Moreover, ASEAN countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, and Laos have already taken action to ban the distribution of vapes.

“Currently, 11 vape samples contain synthetic cannabinoids, one sample contains methamphetamine, and 23 samples have been proven to contain the anesthetic etomidate. And according to Minister of Health Regulation Number 15 of 2025, etomidate has been officially categorized as a Schedule II narcotic,” said Komjen Pol Suyudi on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

“Therefore, the government must take a firm stance and immediately ban the use of vapes. Moreover, several other ASEAN countries, such as Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, and Laos, have already done so,” he added. (Bembo)