Jakarta, Aug. 4 -- Indonesia's Health Ministry on Tuesday urged stricter protections for children against tobacco and e-cigarette exposure, following public outrage over a popular content creator who allegedly involved minors in a live-streamed vaping promotion.

Ministry spokesperson Aji Muhawarman voiced deep concern over the incident, endorsing ongoing police inquiries and joint regulatory action to hold digital platforms and creators accountable under national public health laws.

"Article 151 of Law Number 17 of 2023 mandates the safeguarding of addictive substances to protect public health, especially children and teenagers," Muhawarman said.

"The Ministry of Health emphasizes that vaping is not safe. E-cigarettes contain addictive...