Indonesia’s top Islamic clerical body has issued a fatwa declaring the use, production and sale of electronic cigarettes or vapes haram, citing health risks, environmental concerns and the potential misuse of the devices for drug consumption.
The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) Fatwa Division chairman, Prof Asrorun Ni’am Sholeh, said the ruling was adopted under MUI Fatwa No. 131 of 2026 during the council’s plenary session last Friday.
The fatwa prohibits not only vaping but also the manufacture and sale of the devices, as well as their misuse for consuming narcotics, psychotropic substances and other addictive substances.
Asrorun said the ruling also outlined 12 recommendations directed at various parties, including calls for legislation to prohibit vaping and establish penalties for those who violate the proposed restrictions.
“MUI is also urging the government to tighten controls over vape distribution, coordinate policies among relevant ministries and agencies, and strengthen monitoring by the National Agency of Drug and Food Control,” he said in a statement.
The council also recommended that licences for the vape industry should not be approved.
It further called on Indonesia’s National Narcotics Agency and other enforcement authorities to take firm action against the misuse of vaping devices.
However, an explanation published on MUI’s official website clarified that the fatwa serves as religious guidance and does not automatically carry the force of law in Indonesia.
Any legal prohibition or penalties would therefore require separate government action.
