According to Antara News reported on May 27, the Indonesian Vapor Atomizer Association (APVI) made it clear in Jakarta on Monday (27) that it will protect children under the age of 18 from exposure to heated tobacco products and e-cigarettes.

"We are committed to ensuring that these products are only targeted at adult smokers," said Garindra Kartasasmita, secretary general of APVI.

He explained that there is a lot of misleading information circulating about alternative tobacco products companies targeting children. According to him, these products, which use the concept of reducing tobacco risk, are more of an option for adult smokers who have long had difficulty quitting.

"Consumers of alternative tobacco products are people over the age of 18. In Indonesia, we have never seen advertising for alternative tobacco products aimed at underage children."

He said the association has set rules requiring members not to sell alternative tobacco products to minors and has implemented a system of monitoring and maintenance among members. He hopes that the government will develop fair and balanced regulations on alternative tobacco products to prevent minors from accessing such products.

His view is backed up by research from the UK Health Security Agency, which says e-cigarettes reduce harm by 90-95%, much less than traditional tobacco.

In addition, Daniel Boy Purwanto, chairman of the Federation of Indonesian e-cigarette Companies (PPEI), said that alternative tobacco is only aimed at adult smokers who want to change their tobacco habits. To prove this commitment, they have clear signs at the door of the e-cigarette shop that prohibit anyone under the required age from buying it. If someone who appears to be under age tries to buy, the clerk will ask for ID.

Pulvato wants regulations to be based on scientific research and take into account the health risks of products. He believes that in addition to preventing minors from accessing alternative tobacco products, adult smokers can still use such products to change their tobacco habits.