The National Narcotics Agency (BNN) appreciates the initiative of the Indonesian Personal Vaporizer Association (APVI), the Indonesian Anti-Narcotics Generation (GANI), and the Indonesian Tar Free Coalition (KABAR) in encouraging the participation of business actors and the community to support the Movement for the Prevention of Electronic Cigarette Abuse (GEPPREK).

In the report submitted to the Deputy for Eradication at BNN, Arman Depari, at the BNN Office on Monday (26/10/2020), it was explained that since the program began in 2019, approximately 1000 vape shops in Jakarta, Bali, and Bandung have participated in the socialization of the program to prevent the abuse of electronic cigarettes as a means of drug consumption.

"BNN, as the government's frontline in the prevention, eradication of abuse, and illicit trafficking of narcotics, highly appreciates the initiative taken by GANI and KABAR in collaborating with vape entrepreneurs in Indonesia. This is in line with the government's efforts to protect the public from the dangers of drugs," said Arman.

"Drug prevention should come from all levels of society to create superior human resources free from the snare of drugs. I hope this initiative can be followed by more industry players," he added.

APVI Chairman, Aryo Andriyanto, stated that the discovery of a number of cases of electronic cigarette abuse for drug consumption by a handful of individuals has the potential to harm many parties. Especially adult electronic cigarette consumers who use this device to quit smoking.

"As a new and developing industry, it would be a great shame if drug abuse in electronic cigarettes could worsen the image or even destroy the alternative tobacco product industry," said Aryo.

Electronic cigarettes, like other alternative tobacco products, fall into the HPTL (Other Tobacco Product Processing) category, which is a new industry in Indonesia. Based on APVI (Indonesian Personal Vaporizer Association) data in 2019, there are approximately 1 million electronic cigarette users in Indonesia.

Chairman of the Central Executive Board of GANI, Djoddy Prasetio Widyawan, stated that GEPPREK is a form of community commitment to support the government in eradicating drug consumption due to electronic cigarette abuse. The socialization of this movement also aims to prevent access to electronic cigarette use by minors under 18 years of age to the public.

"Through this socialization program, we hope to help the government reach more community groups," said Djoddy.

Chairman of KABAR, Ariyo Bimmo, added that they are enthusiastic about BNN's positive reception. Going forward, KABAR hopes that the collaboration between the government, community organizations, industry associations, and consumer associations can be further strengthened. Especially regarding policies for consumer protection of alternative tobacco products and the prevention of abuse, which require special regulations different from conventional cigarettes.

"These regulations are needed to provide a sense of security and protection to consumers. As an organization committed to raising public awareness about health issues, we are ready to partner with the government in discussions on policy formation related to alternative tobacco products," Bimmo concluded.