Indonesia seeks tighter child protection after vape live‑stream scandal

Indonesia’s Ministry of Health called for stronger safeguards to keep children from exposure to tobacco and e‑cigarette promotion after a popular YouTuber, Muhammad Jannah (known as “Bigmo”), was reported to have featured minors in a live‑streamed vape advertisement. Spokesperson Aji Muhawarman cited Article 151 of Law No. 17/2023 and the 2024 government regulation that ban marketing, advertising, and sales of tobacco and vaping products to minors. Police said they will summon the creator for questioning, while Communication and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid announced plans to formally summon YouTube following an official warning letter. The ministry urged parents, educators, businesses and digital platforms to create safe online spaces, warning that vaping carries addictive nicotine and chemicals that raise the risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer and lung disease.