Vapeboss – Research on the effectiveness of e-cigarettes in helping to reduce smoking prevalence in Indonesia is still very limited. Several researchers in Indonesia have begun to analyze study materials developed abroad and then adapted them to local conditions.

Auliya Suwantika, a researcher at the Center of Excellence for Science and Technology in Pharmaceutical Service Innovation (PUIIPK) at Padjadjaran University, hopes the government will prepare a policy framework for e-cigarettes based on evidence from scientific studies.

"We suggest that the government formulate a more comprehensive policy regarding the safety of products containing addictive substances, namely tobacco products," said Auliya.

She added that the government also needs to provide facilities for researchers to conduct in-depth research on regulations to reduce smoking prevalence in Indonesia.

"We see the potential of electronic cigarettes to address the prevalence of adult smokers in Indonesia," she said.

Based on her review, Auliya stated that alternative tobacco products such as vapes, heated tobacco, and nicotine pouches (SNUS) have high potential to help smokers and can be used as tools to reduce or quit smoking.

Previously, former Director of Research Policy and Cooperation at the World Health Organization (WHO), Tikki Pangestu, had on various occasions hinted at the effectiveness of e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation tool.

According to him, the government can implement a harm reduction strategy by using alternative tobacco products such as e-cigarettes. "That is a key strategy to address this very complex problem," he concluded.