Badung, Bali (ANTARA) - Head of Indonesia’s National Narcotics Agency (BNN), Commissioner General Suyudi Ario Seto, has responded to the possibility of banning electronic cigarettes, or vapes, in Indonesia following Singapore’s example.

Speaking at the opening of the 2025 International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP) Regional Conference at Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel in Kuta, Bali, on Wednesday, Suyudi said the agency is still conducting research and laboratory testing on the issue.

“When it comes to a potential ban, we need to sit down and discuss it together. This is not a decision that can be made unilaterally. We must collaborate. For now, we are still carrying out in-depth laboratory assessments,” he said.

Suyudi emphasized that the decision to ban e-cigarettes cannot be made solely by BNN but requires cooperation and consensus among other relevant ministries and government agencies.

“We will be working closely with other ministries and institutions. Research is still ongoing. For the time being, we are continuing with laboratory studies,” he added.

Singapore officially banned the purchase, possession, and use of e-cigarettes under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act, which came into effect on August 18, 2025.

Under the law, individuals caught owning, using, or buying vape products can be fined up to SGD 2,000 (approximately IDR 25.1 million).

The Singaporean government has also added the substance etomidate to the Class C controlled drugs list. As a result, individuals found using vapes containing etomidate could face drug rehabilitation programs similar to those applied to other drug abusers.

Previously, BNN had revealed the emergence of new types of narcotics disguised as e-cigarette products. These cases surfaced after officials intercepted illegal shipments from Malaysia and France.

Former BNN Chief, Commissioner General Marthinus Hukom, stated in Jakarta on Friday (August 22) that the agency had foiled an attempt to smuggle 80 milliliters of synthetic cannabis (MDMB-4en-PINACA) and a vape pod from Malaysia to Pandeglang, Banten.

In a separate case, BNN uncovered a shipment of 3 kilograms of powdered ketamine from France, destined for Bogor, West Java. The ketamine was allegedly intended to be converted into vape liquid. Authorities also seized 1,860 e-cigarette cartridges in the operation.



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