Indonesia’s National Police Chief has banned all police personnel from using vapes, citing concerns over their potential use in narcotics abuse and distribution.
National Police Chief General Suyudi Ario Seto has officially prohibited all police personnel from using electronic cigarettes (vapes). The directive is outlined in National Police Chief Circular Letter Number SE/9/X/2026 concerning the Prohibition of E-Cigarette Use within the Indonesian National Police.
The circular, which came into effect upon its issuance on Friday, the 30th of October, prohibits all National Police civil servants and personnel—collectively referred to as Pegawai Negeri pada Polri (PNPP)—from using vapes, both inside and outside the workplace.
Head of the National Police Public Relations Division, Inspector General Johnny Eddizon Isir, also stated that the policy was introduced in response to evolving methods of narcotics abuse and trafficking, which now include the misuse of e-cigarette devices. A vape device generally consists of three main components: the device itself, a cartridge (the container), and the liquid used. There are concerns that narcotics mixed into these liquids may be difficult to detect with the naked eye. This risk is one of the main reasons behind the National Police’s decision to prohibit vape use among all its personnel.
“We must anticipate the evolving methods of narcotics abuse. Currently, vape devices have the potential to be used as a medium for the abuse and distribution of narcotics, including through substances mixed into the liquid within the cartridges,” Isir said on Monday, the 2nd of November.
The regulation applies to all National Police personnel, from the National Police Headquarters down to the regional (Polda), district (Polres), and sub-district (Polsek) levels. Personnel found violating the directive will face sanctions in accordance with applicable regulations.
Meanwhile, Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has expressed his full support for the Indonesian National Police’s policy prohibiting the use of electronic cigarettes. The Jakarta Provincial Government is also prepared to provide the necessary facilities to support the implementation of the policy as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation between the local government and the police.
“Whatever is decided by the Jakarta Metro Police or the National Police Headquarters, we will follow it and provide our full support,” Anung said at Jakarta City Hall on Monday as well.