Indonesia to Regulate Vapes

Indonesia’s Ministry of Health is moving forward with new regulations on vapes under Government Regulation No. 28 of 2024, aiming to align vape controls with those applied to conventional tobacco products.

According to Aji Muhawarman, head of the ministry’s Public Communication and Service Bureau, the framework will introduce stricter oversight, including age limits, advertising restrictions, and product standards.

The regulation will ban e-cigarette use among individuals under 21 and place tighter controls on promotions, particularly across social media platforms. It will also require manufacturers to meet maximum nicotine limits and prohibit harmful additives.

In addition, vape products must carry pictorial health warnings, and their use will be restricted in designated smoke-free areas.

The Health Ministry plans to implement these measures in July, supported by additional ministerial regulations and decrees to guide enforcement. Authorities are also rolling out public education campaigns in collaboration with health organizations and professional bodies.

Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. Faisal Yunus from the University of Indonesia emphasized the need for stronger oversight, noting that youth access, appealing flavors, and targeted marketing remain key concerns. He added that further regulatory efforts are necessary to curb usage and better protect vulnerable populations.