Laboratory tests conducted by the BNN found that several vape liquid samples contained substances such as synthetic cannabis, etomidate, and methamphetamine.
“This finding is deeply concerning as it indicates that vapes have shifted from being mere consumer products to vehicles for the abuse of dangerous substances,” said Netty Prasetiyani Aher, a member of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), in a statement on Saturday (April 11, 2026).
She warned that the discovery should be treated as a serious threat to public health, particularly among younger generations.
“The health risks of vaping alone are already a concern, let alone when combined with narcotic substances,” she said.
“This creates a multi-layered threat that demands an immediate and serious response,” she added.
Regarding proposals to ban vaping, Netty stressed that the government must conduct a comprehensive review, taking into account health considerations, regulatory oversight, as well as social and economic impacts.
“Any policy adopted must be risk-based. If vaping is proven to be a primary medium for narcotics abuse, then firm measures must be considered, whether in the form of a ban or very strict controls,” she explained.
She also called for ongoing deliberations on the Narcotics and Psychotropics Bill to accommodate emerging methods of drug abuse, including through platforms such as vaping devices.
“Regulations must be adaptive to increasingly complex patterns of narcotics misuse,” she said.
Netty further emphasized the importance of strengthening public education, especially among young people, to raise awareness about the dangers of unregulated vape use.
“Education is key to ensuring the public is not misled by products that appear safe but carry high risks,” she concluded. (nas)
