Rising Popularity of E-Cigarettes in Indonesia: Health Concerns Persist

According to a report by CNN Indonesia on January 9th, a recent study has shown that the popularity of e-cigarettes among Indonesians has been increasing year by year, with many believing them to be more beneficial compared to traditional cigarettes. However, experts have issued warnings, stating that both e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes carry health risks.

Agus Dwi Susanto, the chairman of the Indonesian Lung Physicians Association, highlighted in a recent online seminar that there has been a rapid increase in the usage of e-cigarettes. He explained several factors revealed in studies that contribute to this, such as the low nicotine content, variety of flavors, vaping techniques, and vaping trends.

In a study conducted in 2021 by lung specialists Erlang Samoedro and others, it was found that 76.7% of the 937 participants switched to e-cigarettes. The main reason cited for the switch was the lower nicotine content in e-cigarettes. Additionally, some high school students believed that e-cigarettes are not easily addictive and do not cause cancer.

However, Agus emphasizes that in fact, both e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes have potential hazards. Though e-cigarettes do not contain tar, research shows that their e-liquid contains carcinogenic substances.

The World Health Organization has recommended that all member countries implement a ban on the sale of e-cigarettes, in order to reduce public health risks. The rapid rise in the use of e-cigarettes has raised concerns among experts and health organizations, prompting calls for measures to regulate the use and sale of e-cigarettes.