Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s Health Ministry on Tuesday urged stricter protections for children against tobacco and e-cigarette exposure, following public outrage over a popular content creator who allegedly involved minors in a live-streamed vaping promotion.
Ministry spokesperson Aji Muhawarman voiced deep concern over the incident, endorsing ongoing police inquiries and joint regulatory action to hold digital platforms and creators accountable under national public health laws.
“Article 151 of Law Number 17 of 2023 mandates the safeguarding of addictive substances to protect public health, especially children and teenagers,” Muhawarman said.
“The Ministry of Health emphasizes that vaping is not safe. E-cigarettes contain addictive nicotine and chemicals that elevate risks of heart disease, stroke, cancer, and lung disease.”
The controversy centers on YouTuber Muhammad Jannah, known online as Bigmo, who was reported to police for allegedly featuring children while promoting e-cigarettes during a live broadcast.
Police confirmed they will summon Jannah for questioning, while Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid announced plans to formally summon YouTube after issuing an official warning letter to the video platform on Aug. 2.
Indonesian health regulations updated in 2024 strictly prohibit marketing, advertising, or selling tobacco and e-cigarette products to minors.
Muhawarman called on parents, educators, business owners, and tech platforms to ensure digital spaces remain safe for children, noting that curbing early nicotine exposure is essential to reducing long-term non-communicable diseases across the country.
Translator: Mecca Yumna, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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