Key Takeaways
- Arvindo instructed member stores to stop selling e-cigarettes to customers under 21, post 21+ signage, and verify age with valid ID
- Arvindo said the policy aligns with government efforts; Gebrak supported limiting alternative products to adult smokers
- Arvindo urged policymakers to adopt science-based regulation and consider vaping’s potential for harm reduction
- Report cited a 2025 JAMA Network study stating e-cigarettes were the leading cessation tool in England
- Report cited Indonesia smoking data: about 70 million active smokers; 13–15 student smoking rose from 18.3% (2016) to 19.2% (2019), with high rates among ages 15–19
2Firsts, February 27, 2026 –
According to RetailNews Asia, the Association of Indonesian Vape Retailers (Arvindo) has issued a directive to all member stores to stop selling e-cigarettes to individuals under the age of 21. The association also mandated that retailers display 21+ signage and confirm customer age using valid identification.
The report said Arvindo chairman Fachmi Kurnia (Fachmi Kurnia) stated the move aligns with government efforts to restrict youth access to vaping. It added that the Tar and Smoke Free Movement (Gebrak) shared the view and advocated that alternative tobacco products should be limited to adult smokers only.
On regulation, the report said Arvindo encouraged policymakers to adopt science-based regulation and recognize the potential of vaping to reduce harm. It cited a 2025 JAMA Network study stating e-cigarettes were the leading tool for smoking cessation in England.
Separately, the report said Gebrak chairman Garindra Kartasasmita (Garindra Kartasasmita) emphasized that e-cigarette retailers should take a more proactive role in informing customers about health risks associated with smoke and tar and urged retailers to provide comprehensive information about alternative products.
The report said these developments come as Indonesia faces persistently high smoking rates, citing government data estimating around 70 million active smokers, including a significant youth portion. It also cited global youth survey data showing smoking prevalence among students aged 13–15 increased from 18.3% in 2016 to 19.2% in 2019, and indicated high smoking rates among those aged 15–19.
Image Source: RetailNews Asia
