Proportion of Electronic Cigarette Consumers Across Indonesian Provinces, March 2024

According to a report by the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), in March 2024, 0.58% of the Indonesian population aged 5 and above regularly consumed e-cigarettes daily.

Urban areas had a higher percentage of e-cigarette consumers at 0.70%, compared to 0.40% in rural areas.

Bali had the highest proportion of e-cigarette consumers at 1.81%, approximately three times the national average.

West Sumatra had the lowest proportion, at only 0.12%.

The following are the top 10 provinces with the highest daily e-cigarette consumption in Indonesia in March 2024:

1. Bali: 1.81%
2. DKI Jakarta: 1.34%
3. Riau Islands: 1.28%
4. North Kalimantan: 1.2%
5. South Sumatra: 1.09%
6. Yogyakarta Special Region: 1.01%
7. East Kalimantan: 0.85%
8. East Java: 0.74%
9. Aceh: 0.6%
10. South Kalimantan: 0.57%

The government is currently drafting a Ministerial Regulation on the Safety of Tobacco and Electronic Cigarette Products, which includes plans for plain packaging without brand names.

This regulation aims to reduce the appeal of cigarettes to consumers, and consequently lower smoking prevalence.

However, Budiyanto, the chairman of the Indonesian Personal Vaporizer Association (APVI), believes this regulation could lead to a surge in illegal e-cigarette sales.

"We disagree with this regulation, considering that the e-cigarette industry is not just an alternative solution to reduce the risk of addiction," said Budiyanto, as reported by Antara on Tuesday (1/10/2024).

He argues that overly strict packaging regulations would also stifle innovation in the creative industry. APVI is calling for comprehensive, not just preventative, government policies.

"The e-cigarette industry has significant potential to contribute. However, current regulations threaten its growth," said Budiyanto.