Background
The Indonesian Personal Vaporizer Association (APVI) was established as a forum for entrepreneurs and players in the e-cigarette or vape industry in Indonesia. Records show that APVI was founded in 2014 and officially recognized through a decree from the Ministry of Law and Human Rights of the Republic of Indonesia (Kemenkumham) around 2015.
(Sources: Tobacco Industry Monitor, Indonesia Dream Juice, Vape Magazine Indonesia)
The main purpose of its establishment is to give formal recognition to this emerging industry, assist in the development of proper regulations, and ensure the sustainability of vape business owners in Indonesia.
(Sources: Indonesia Dream Juice, Journal of Epistemik Press)
Vision and Mission
APVI’s vision is to strengthen the vaporizer industry in Indonesia through fair regulation, quality standards, and capacity building for business players.
Its main missions include:
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Advocating for regulations that favor both the industry and adult consumers. (Indonesia Dream Juice)
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Educating business owners and users to comply with regulations, understand potential risks, and ensure product safety. (Antara News)
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Encouraging the growth of local products, strengthening the business and user community, and building cooperation with the government and other stakeholders. (Vape Magazine Indonesia)
Programs & Key Activities
Some of APVI’s main programs and initiatives include:
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Regulation Advocacy: APVI actively lobbies for e-cigarette regulations to be made separately from traditional tobacco rules, emphasizing a risk-based approach. (kumparan)
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Education & Public Awareness: Campaigning that vape products are strictly for adult consumers only, while stressing the importance of product quality control. (detikFinance)
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Internal Monitoring & Anti-Illegal Product Efforts: APVI established an internal task force to report sales violations, including illegal products, and cooperates with agencies such as BNN, Customs, and the National Police to prevent misuse. (Antara News)
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Local Industry Development & Standardization: Promoting competitiveness of local vaporizer products and helping businesses comply with evolving standards and regulations. (Indonesia Dream Juice)
Challenges and Issues
Some of the key challenges faced by APVI and its members include:
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Overlapping or Unspecific Regulations: Current laws don’t yet clearly distinguish vapor products, causing legal uncertainty. APVI has opposed the inclusion of e-cigarettes in the proposed revision of Government Regulation No. 109/2012, which they consider harmful to the vape industry. (kumparan)
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Illegal Sales and Product Misuse: Issues such as unregulated liquid mixing and unsafe modifications damage the industry’s reputation and endanger consumers. (kontan.co.id)
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Balancing Regulation and Industry Growth: While recognizing the need for strict controls to protect public health, APVI warns that overly harsh policies could create a black market. (kontan.co.id)
Role and Contribution
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As an organizational hub for Indonesia’s vaporizer entrepreneurs, APVI provides a platform for dialogue between the industry and government.
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It collects data and builds arguments to support evidence-based regulation for alternative tobacco products. (Journal of Epistemik Press)
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It supports government efforts to prevent product misuse, ensuring that vaporizer products are not used by minors or non-smokers. (Antara News)
Future Outlook
APVI believes that Indonesia’s vape industry still has strong growth potential, supported by the increasing number of active users — nearly 4 million nationwide, according to recent surveys. (kontan.co.id)
However, the sustainability of this growth will depend on how regulations are designed, how quality standards are enforced, and how well the industry adapts to evolving policies and public perception.
Conclusion
APVI has become one of the key players in Indonesia’s vaporizer ecosystem. Through its roles in advocacy, education, monitoring, and industry development, APVI seeks to bridge the gap between business owners, adult consumers, and the government.
Despite ongoing challenges such as regulation uncertainty, illegal products, and public perception, APVI’s existence has paved the way for more structured discussions about the role of vaporizer products within the frameworks of public health, economy, and industry innovation.
