North Sumatra introduces ban on e-cigarettes
The provincial government of North Sumatra (Pemprov) is elevating the ban on e-cigarettes, or vapes, to a regional regulation (Perda).
This policy was already in effect for state civil servants (ASN), government employees with employment contracts (PPPK), and employees of regional companies in North Sumatra (BUMD). For the general public, it remains a recommendation.
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The head of the National Agency for Unity and Politics of North Sumatra (Kesbangpol), Mulyono, stated that this measure is part of a broader effort to combat drug abuse in North Sumatra.
According to him, the Regional People’s Representatives of North Sumatra (DPRD) has welcomed the policy and will strive to make it a generally applicable regulation.
“The governor prohibits all ASN employees, including PPPK, and employees of the North Sumatran BUMD from using e-cigarettes. For the general public, it remains a recommendation. The DPRD welcomes this, so we will elevate it to a regional ordinance,” said Mulyono during a talk show on TVRI North Sumatra in collaboration with the North Sumatran Communication and Information Agency.
The governor’s instruction was issued because e-cigarettes were considered a potential new means of drug abuse. Although not all e-cigarettes contain drugs, this policy serves as a preventive measure to protect employees from the potential dangers of drug abuse.
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The provincial government of North Sumatra has also established an integrated drug control team, consisting of various agencies, from the National Bureau of Narcotics (BNN) to the North Sumatra Regional Police.
The team employs three main approaches: prevention, prosecution of dealers, and rehabilitation for people who have become addicted to drugs.
“We conduct joint raids at locations where we suspect drugs are being traded. Those who test positive are taken to the National Drug Control Agency (BNNP) office for assessment. If it turns out they are both users and dealers, they are prosecuted. If they are only users, they are rehabilitated,” said Mulyono.
The head of the National Drug Control Agency of North Sumatra Province (BNNP), Tatar Nugroho, expressed his appreciation for the decision by Governor Muhammad Bobby Afif Nasution of North Sumatra to issue a ban on the use of e-cigarettes by public officials.
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According to him, this policy is strategic given the widespread drug use in North Sumatra. “Why is this so strategic? This decree by the governor has an impact on the community, particularly on provincial government officials. Even officials have set a good example by not using e-cigarettes. This is proof of the governor’s extraordinary leadership, at least internally,” said Tatar.
Tatar indicated that drafting regional regulations banning e-cigarettes is a relatively new step in Indonesia. The plan has also received appreciation and positive feedback from the National Agency for Narcotics (BNN). ***rel
