Association insists on tax-free vape ribbon does not contain drugs

JAKARTA - Various electronic cigarette (vape) communities, respond to the misuse of vape with drugs that have been widely reported recently. In the Halalbihalal Vapers activity held last weekend, representatives of associations and vape communities present discussed various aspects of electronic cigarettes, as well as educating participants on how to use alternative tobacco products responsibly and free from drug-related abuse.

The General Chair of the Indonesian E-Liquid Producers Association (PPEI), Daniel Boy Purwanto, emphasized that the e-liquids produced by its members do not contain harmful substances.

"E-liquid basically consists of only four main ingredients that have clear functions, including propylene glycol, glycerin, flavors, nicotine. The rest is no longer components that we consider as additives," he said in a discussion session, quoted Tuesday, April 28.

According to Daniel, this transparency is important to answer public doubts while providing a more complete understanding to adult consumers. Every ingredient is used to create a different experience, both in terms of taste and sensation, without involving harmful additives.

On the same occasion, the Chairman of the Free Movement of TAR and Cigarette Smoke (GEBRAK), Garindra Kartasasmita, conveyed a number of findings of harmful substances in vape products as a form of abuse by certain individuals. He emphasized that these cases do not reflect the characteristics of vape products that are produced legally.

Garin also highlighted the importance of caution in building public perceptions of vape products. According to him, it is not true if the use of electronic cigarettes is associated with the consumption of prohibited substances. This has the potential to create a false stigma for industry players and consumers, even triggering suspicion of legal producers.

His party emphasized its support for efforts to eradicate narcotics and the existence of abuse.

"We hope that in the future this vape will not be banned, the regulation must be in accordance with the risk profile. We also hope to work more closely with the National Narcotics Agency to eradicate the misuse of vape, because from us no one wants vape to be a medium for the spread of drugs," said Garin.