Jakarta (ANTARA) –
The Indonesian National Police has banned the use of e-cigarettes and vapes among all personnel, both on and off duty.
The directive was issued in Circular Letter No. SE/9/X/2026 by the National Police chief.
In a statement on Sunday, National Police Public Relations Head Inspector General Johnny Eddizon Isir said the circular took effect Oct. 30, 2026.
The ban applies to all police personnel and civilian employees across all levels, including National Police Headquarters, regional police headquarters (Polda), precinct police headquarters (Polres), and sub-district police headquarters (Polsek). Personnel violating the regulation will face disciplinary sanctions.
Isir said the policy represents a proactive step to counter evolving methods of drug distribution and abuse involving electronic cigarette devices.
He explained that drug syndicates have increasingly turned to liquid narcotics, which can easily be concealed inside vaping equipment.
“Vape devices can now be misused for drug consumption and distribution, including through narcotic substances mixed into e-liquids and stored in cartridges. This poses a serious concern, as their contents cannot always be distinguished from ordinary vape liquids,” Isir said.
He noted that the policy was introduced in response to cases involving vape devices used to distribute liquid narcotics, including etomidate, which was classified as a Class II narcotic under Ministry of Health Regulation No. 15 of 2025.
Isir emphasized that the National Police must prioritize internal prevention alongside external law enforcement.
He stated that banning vape use within the police force reflects a concrete commitment to combating drug distribution and abuse.
“We hope this measure will set an example for other institutions and segments of society to follow. Combating drug abuse requires a collective commitment, not only through law enforcement efforts but also through prevention and changes in behavior,” he said.
Iris said that this policy is also part of efforts to build a committed, disciplined, and professional working environment within the National Police.
Every police officer must uphold integrity, serve as a role model in society, and demonstrate a firm commitment to eradicating narcotics as part of the ongoing fight against drug abuse, he added.
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Translator: Nadia Putri R, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Arie Novarina
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