Indonesia's National Narcotics Agency has proposed a ban on vapes, citing their misuse as a conduit for drug consumption. Agency chief Suyudi Ario Seto revealed laboratory tests on 341 vape liquid samples found 11 contained synthetic cannabinoids, one laced with methamphetamine, and 23 contained etomidate, an anesthetic recently classified as a narcotic.
Suyudi noted that several regional countries, including Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Brunei, and Laos, have already banned vapes, with Malaysia aiming for a similar ban by mid-2026. Singapore has significantly increased penalties for vape-related offenses.
The agency believes banning vapes could curb the circulation of illicit chemical compounds. Indonesia has seen a significant rise in vape users, with 3% of adults reporting use in 2021, up from 0.3% in 2011.