Recently, Martinus Hukon, Director of the Indonesian National Narcotics Control Agency (BNN), made a striking statement. He stated that Indonesia will not follow Singapore’s lead in completely banning e-cigarettes, but will instead adopt a more precise and rational approach to the issue. Rather than a blanket ban, Indonesia will adopt a selective approach, focusing on e-cigarette liquids containing narcotic or psychoactive substances, which will be subject to increased oversight and crackdown. BNN recently seized approximately 1,800 e-cigarette devices suspected of being laced with ingredients such as etomidate, demonstrating the seriousness of this issue.
Indonesia’s approach reflects a more flexible policy approach. Singapore officially banned the import, sale, and distribution of e-cigarettes in August 2016, strictly controlling the potential public health risks they pose. However, Indonesia has not followed this path, instead emphasizing the need to differentiate between standard e-cigarettes and those laced with drugs. This principle not only avoids overly punishing ordinary consumers but also maintains a strong attitude towards public health and illegal activities.
E-cigarettes have sparked heated debate around the world in recent years. Supporters see e-cigarettes as a “harm reduction tool” because they don’t produce tar through combustion, and some studies suggest they produce fewer harmful chemicals than traditional cigarettes. The UK’s Public Health Agency has stated that e-cigarettes may be 95% less harmful than traditional cigarettes and can also help people quit smoking. A US study found that people who switch from traditional cigarettes to e-cigarettes may experience a roughly 40% reduction in their risk of respiratory illness. In 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended that countries that haven’t completely banned e-cigarettes adopt regulation rather than outright bans, specifically prohibiting open systems and the addition of psychoactive ingredients like THC.
Thus, the Indonesian Narcotics Control Agency’s decision to “strengthen regulation of narcotic and psychotropic substances” aligns with this international trend. Their focus is on products that use e-cigarettes as a vehicle for illicit drugs, rather than a blanket ban on legal e-cigarettes. This approach avoids indiscriminate policy action while preserving room for public health reform.
VEEHOO is a leading e-cigarette brand in the Indonesian market. These brands typically feature a legally compliant, safe, and controllable closed pod system. Accessories and cartridges are manufactured by the brand, preventing users from adding their own ingredients. This design better ensures product ingredient safety and regulatory compliance compared to open systems. For example, VEEHOO’s e-liquid formula and cartridge packaging process strictly adhere to food-grade VG (glycerin), PG (propylene glycol), and additive ratios, preventing users from mixing or adding unknown ingredients. This closed system significantly reduces the risk of illegal ingredient contamination.
From a market perspective, brands like VEEHOO offer a variety of flavor options, providing adult users with a more attractive alternative between traditional tobacco and e-cigarettes. For smokers seeking to reduce harm from combustible cigarettes, VEEHOO’s product design and flavor profiles can serve as a transitional tool. The UK’s NHS has recommended including e-cigarette products in smoking cessation programs to help smokers quit traditional cigarettes, highlighting the potential of e-cigarettes in public health interventions.
Furthermore, the legal status of brands like VEEHOO contributes to the standardized development of the industry. Legal products that meet quality standards, undergo safety testing, have clear labeling, and control nicotine content not only reduce the risk of accidental inhalation by minors but also provide regulators with more control. If the government provides positive guidance to these brands, such as through consumer education, review and registration, and clear standards for sales channels, it can also promote a healthier and more transparent market.
Against this macro backdrop, Indonesia’s policy choices appear particularly wise. Authorities are strengthening regulations on illegal products that adulterate e-cigarette liquids with anesthetics (such as psychoactive substances like etomidate), rather than applying a blanket policy against all e-cigarettes. This strategy preserves market space for legal e-cigarette products (such as VEEHOO) while providing a more targeted response to the public health threat posed by drug use.
This also encourages consumers and the industry to prioritize the shared belief of “choosing legal brands and rejecting illegal additives.” For average adult smokers, if VEEHOO offers quality-controlled, sealed cartridges free of banned ingredients, this product offers a meaningful alternative to traditional cigarettes. It reduces exposure to tar and carbon monoxide from combustion, while also bringing the taste and nicotine delivery closer to traditional smoking, potentially helping some smokers reduce their dependence on traditional tobacco.
Of course, we cannot ignore the controversial aspects of e-cigarettes, such as the need for further evaluation of long-term health risks, the risk of allergic reactions, and the potential for adolescents to experiment. However, in Indonesia’s current policy approach, “focusing on regulating e-cigarette liquids adulterated with toxicants” better balances public health protection with the actual needs of smokers than a complete ban. This approach not only aligns with the recommendations of international organizations such as the WHO but also provides clearer boundaries for the development of legitimate brands like VEEHOO.
From a social perspective, this Indonesian policy will help propel the industry towards formal and legal development. Consumers are more likely to choose brands that have been officially tested, have transparent labeling, and have controllable sales channels. Regulators can also focus resources on cracking down on illegal products that truly pose a high public risk, making drug control more efficient and targeted. E-cigarette brands like VEEHOO, which integrate technology, safety, and legality, demonstrate their strengths in this policy environment—they are legitimate and formal channels, role models for industry transformation, and a key target for policy cooperation.
In short, the Indonesian National Narcotics Control Agency Director, Martinus Hukong, has clearly stated that he will not follow Singapore’s lead in banning e-cigarettes completely, but will instead strengthen regulations on e-cigarette liquids containing narcotic or psychotropic substances. This strategy signals a rational and flexible policy approach. Within this policy framework, legal, closed-system e-cigarette products like VEEHOO have the opportunity to realize their potential for harm reduction, protect consumer health, and guide market regulation, becoming a win-win model for both the industry and public health.
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