In brief
On 30 October 2026, the Indonesian National Police banned e‑cigarette and vape use among all personnel, both on and off duty. The move aims to thwart the use of vaping devices as covert drug carriers and reinforce internal discipline. Violators face disciplinary sanctions, underscoring the force’s commitment to public accountability and professional conduct.
On 30 October 2026, the Indonesian National Police announced a sweeping ban on the use of e‑cigarettes and vapes by all officers and civilian employees, both on and off duty. The directive, issued in Circular Letter No. SE/9/X/2026 by the National Police chief, takes effect immediately and applies across all levels of the force, from the National Police Headquarters down to sub‑district police stations.
National Police Public Relations Head, Inspector General Johnny Eddizon Isir, explained that the ban was introduced as a proactive response to evolving methods of drug distribution involving electronic cigarette devices. He highlighted that drug syndicates have increasingly turned to liquid narcotics that can be concealed inside vaping equipment, making detection difficult.
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 underscored that the measure guards the force’s integrity and the public’s trust, stressing that “every police officer must uphold integrity, serve as a role‑model in society, and demonstrate a firm commitment to eradicating narcotics.” He added that the policy demonstrates the police’s dedication to prevention alongside external law enforcement.
The ban targets the use of e‑cigarette devices at any time, both in the workplace and during off‑duty hours. Personnel who violate the regulation will face disciplinary sanctions, according to the circular. The directive does not impose criminal penalties, but it reinforces internal accountability mechanisms within the police hierarchy.
Police officials cited specific incidents involving vape devices used to distribute liquid narcotics, including etomidate, a Class II narcotic under Ministry of Health Regulation No. 15 of 2025. Such cases revealed that e‑liquids could be mixed with harmful substances, hidden from both law‑enforcement observers and the devices’ visible contents. This clandestine use of vaping equipment blurs the line between harmless recreational devices and covert drug delivery systems.
Beyond the immediate concerns for internal discipline, the ban signals a broader societal push. By eliminating high‑profile use of e‑cigarettes among public servants, police leadership hopes to spark similar restrictions in other institutions and encourage safer public behavior. Isir remarked, “We hope this measure will set an example for other institutions and segments of society to follow.”
The policy responds to growing public discourse on drug abuse and the role of public institutions as role‑models. Het effect van een dergelijke inbreuk op het publieke vertrouwen in de politie. De politie moet uitblinken in proactieve preventie en tekenen van professioneel gedrag tonen.
From a civic perspective, the ban encapsulates the principle of public accountability – the police are safeguarding the community not only by stopping illicit drug trafficking but also by internal polices that deter abuse of power. Section of the directive urges officers to apply the same standards to themselves, ensuring that the force’s actions are consistent with the law’s intent to protect citizens.
While the regulation is enforceable only within police premises, it brings an intersection between law‑enforcement policy and civil behavior. The initiative may influence local communities, potentially encouraging a shift toward healthier alternatives and fostering institutional trust.
Current public reaction has been mixed. Some citizens applaud the move, citing the growing problem of drug smuggling via vaping devices. Others question the effectiveness of an internal ban, wondering whether it will deter drug traffickers or merely push them to more covert channels.
Legal experts note that the ban follows a trend in Southeast Asia where privacy and health regulations increasingly target e‑cigarettes. In Indonesia, the Ministry of Health’s 2025 regulation already classifies certain substances as Class II narcotics, affecting the composition of e‑liquids.
As the ban enters force practice, police academies will likely incorporate its stipulations into training curricula, ensuring that new recruits understand the disciplinary consequences and the rationality behind the restriction. The policy should also be monitored for compliance; inspectors may conduct random checks to enforce the ban.
In sum, the Indonesian National Police’s prohibition of e‑cigarettes for all personnel on October 30, 2026, reflects an effort to clamp down on a potential drug delivery channel, uphold disciplinary standards, and model responsible conduct for the broader society. The approach underscores the tight link between institutional policy, public accountability, and civic health. The ban’s long‑term impact will hinge on its enforcement and its reception among the public and the police force itself.
