Jakarta. Indonesia’s National Police have banned officers and civilian employees from using electronic cigarettes, or vapes, both on and off duty, citing concerns that the devices are increasingly being used to distribute illegal drugs.

The ban took effect on Oct. 30 under National Police Chief Gen. Suyudi Ario Seto’s Circular Letter No. SE/9/X/2026 on the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarette Use within the Police.

National Police spokesperson Johnny Eddizon Isir said the policy was a proactive measure to address evolving methods of drug abuse and trafficking, including the use of vaping devices to conceal narcotics.

Drug distribution is no longer limited to conventional forms, with traffickers increasingly using liquid narcotics that can be disguised in vape devices, Johnny said.

A vaping device typically consists of three components: the device itself, a cartridge that holds the liquid and the liquid, or e-liquid, that is vaporized for inhalation.

“This is a serious concern because, visually, it is not always possible to distinguish ordinary liquid from liquid containing narcotics,” Johnny said in a statement on Monday.

One substance of particular concern is etomidate, which has been classified as a Schedule II narcotic under Health Ministry Regulation No. 15/2025.

Isir said the police were seeking to prevent drug abuse within their own ranks, in addition to pursuing criminal cases involving narcotics.

The vaping ban reflects the institution’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and abuse through internal prevention measures, he said.

“We hope that this step, which begins within the police, can set an example and be followed by other institutions and members of the public,” he said.

“Efforts to combat drugs require a shared commitment, not only through law enforcement but also through prevention and behavioral change.”

The prohibition applies to all National Police personnel and civilian employees, known collectively as PNPP, across the country, including police headquarters in Jakarta, provincial police offices, district police stations and subdistrict police posts.

Personnel who violate the ban will face sanctions in accordance with applicable regulations.

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