The Indonesian Vape Retailers Association Implements 21+ Policy

The Indonesian Vape Retailers Association (Arvindo) requires member stores to stop selling vapes to customers under the age of 21, and to post the 21+logo and verify age through valid identification documents. Arvindo Chairman Fachmi Kurnia stated that this move is consistent with the government’s efforts to restrict young people’s exposure to vapes; The Gebrak initiative also supports and emphasizes that alternative tobacco products should only be used by adult smokers. The report also cites Indonesian smoking related data and a JAMA Network 2025 study.

The main content includes the following points:
• Arvindo requests member stores to stop selling vapes to people under 21 years old, post 21+signs, and verify identity documents.
• Arvindo stated that it is consistent with the government’s efforts to restrict young people’s exposure to vapes; Gebrak supports and emphasizes use only for adult smokers.
• Arvindo calls on policymakers to adopt science based regulation and mentions the harm reduction potential of vapes.
• Reported citation: JAMA Network 2025 study claims that vapes are the most commonly used smoking cessation tool in England.
• Reported citation: About 70 million active smokers in Indonesia; The smoking rate among students aged 13-15 increased from 18.3% in 2016 to 19.2% in 2019, with a higher smoking rate among students aged 15-19.

According to RetailNews Asia, the Association of Indonesian Vape Retailers (Arvindo) has issued instructions to all member stores to stop selling vapes to people under the age of 21. The association also requires retailers to post age restriction signs in their stores and use valid identification to verify customer age.
Arvindo Chairman Fachmi Kurnia stated that this move is consistent with the government’s efforts to restrict young people’s exposure to vapes. The report states that this stance is also supported by the Tar and Smoke Free Movement (Gebrak), which advocates that alternative tobacco products should only be used by adult smokers.

In terms of regulation, reports suggest that Arvindo is calling on policymakers to consider “science based” regulation and acknowledge the potential harm reduction potential of vapes. According to a 2025 study by JAMA Network, vapes are the primary smoking cessation tool in England.
In addition, Gebrak Chairman Garindra Kartasasmita emphasized that vape retailers need to take a more proactive role in informing consumers about the health risks associated with smoke and tar, and called on retailers to provide comprehensive information about alternative products.
The report pointed out that the above measures were introduced against the backdrop of high smoking rates in Indonesia. According to government data cited in the report, there are approximately 70 million active smokers in Indonesia, a considerable number of whom are teenagers. The report also cited data from a global survey of teenagers, stating that the smoking rate among students aged 13-15 in Indonesia increased from 18.3% in 2016 to 19.2% in 2019, and pointed out that the smoking rate among the 15-19 age group is relatively high.

The big vape distributors in Indonesia are Dunia Jus Indonesia (DJI),NEO VAPE Distribution,and so on.

The hot selling brands in Indonesia are Chinese vape manufacturer products such as Uwell,Iget,Alibarbar.

Reference: Indonesian Vape Retailers Implement 21+ Policy to Curb Youth Smoking Rates: A Step Toward Healthier Choices | Retail News Asia