The Indonesian National Narcotics Agency: Will not directly follow Singapore's ban on e-cigarettes; any ban must be based on real data

Key points: 

·The Indonesian National Narcotics Agency (BNN) stated that further research and discussion are needed to determine whether e-cigarettes should be banned. 

·Singapore's ban: Singapore has taken the lead in banning e-cigarettes and has strengthened penalties for violators, including imprisonment and high fines. 

·Risk of drug smuggling: Some e-cigarettes are used as a means of smuggling drugs, but a ban requires real data to support it. 

·BNN's actions: BNN will continue to crack down on drug abuse, emphasizing a stance of conducting a "humane war against drugs." 

·Illegal production network: BNN has seized 1800 e-cigarettes containing ketamine and methamphetamine and has exposed an illegal production network.

According to a report by VIVA on August 26th, the head of Indonesia's National Narcotics Agency (BNN), General Police Suyudi Ario Seto, recently shared his views on whether Indonesia will follow in Singapore's footsteps in banning e-cigarettes. Currently, Singapore has taken the lead in banning the use of e-cigarettes in the country.

Suyudi stated that further research and discussion among all parties will be needed to determine whether an e-cigarette ban should be implemented. He pointed out that some e-cigarettes are used as a medium for drug delivery, but this alone cannot be the immediate basis for a ban, as real data support is needed.

At the same time, Sudhudi reiterated that BNN will continue to crack down on the issue of drug abuse in the country, emphasizing their firm stance on conducting a "humanized war against drugs.

Singapore has announced that the regulation of e-cigarettes will be tightened. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong stated in a national address on August 19 that those who illegally use e-cigarettes will face harsher penalties, including imprisonment and hefty fines. This move by Singapore is driven by the increased awareness among the public of the health and environmental risks associated with e-cigarettes.

Recently, BNN found 1800 e-cigarettes containing additives such as ketamine and etomidate, which were being shipped to Indonesia and were stopped from spreading in time. Former BNN chief Marthinus Hukom stated that while this was a small-scale seizure, it was enough to affect 1800 people.

Further investigation revealed the existence of a hidden laboratory suspected of illegally producing or modifying e-cigarettes containing psychoactive substances, indicating the presence of an organized network of illegal production. In Indonesia, ketamine and etizolam, while not classified as drugs, belong to the category of psychoactive substances.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is concerned about the situation in Indonesia, as the use of e-cigarettes among young people, particularly from sixth grade to high school students, continues to rise. These fruit-flavored e-cigarettes have caught the attention of the younger generation, and the Indonesian government still appears to be lacking in controlling this addictive substance. In contrast, Singapore has taken action by completely banning the use of e-cigarettes.

According to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey in 2021, the usage rate of e-cigarettes among individuals aged 15 to 24 reached 7.5%, significantly higher than the 3.1% among those aged 25 to 44. Even more shocking, the Global School Health Survey in 2023 revealed that 12.4% of students aged 13 to 17 are currently using e-cigarettes.

Dr. N. Paranietharan, the representative of the World Health Organization in Indonesia, stated in a press release on World No Tobacco Day on May 31st that it is particularly concerning that the use of e-cigarettes continues to rise among young people.