The Hidden Dangers of Unregulated Drug Circulation in Indonesia: A Growing Public Health Crisis
Jakarta – The widespread circulation of unregulated drugs in Indonesia has become a pressing public health concern, with authorities warning of the risks posed by thes illicit products. These drugs, ofen sold without proper labeling, expiration dates, or dosage instructions, are increasingly accessible thru online platforms and local markets, raising alarms about their safety and long-term effects.
According to Taruna ikrar, Head of Indonesia’s Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM RI), the issue is akin to an iceberg phenomenon. ”The phenomenon of drug settings is often only the culmination of a bigger problem (tip of the iceberg), while those detected in the field are only a small part of the actual circulation,” he told detikcom.
The Rise of Online Drug Sales
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The problem has been exacerbated by the ease of access to these drugs through online marketplaces. A recent inquiry revealed over 100 links related to unregulated drug sales on a single platform.These drugs, frequently enough sold without prescriptions, range from branded products to unbranded capsules packaged in plastic, with prices starting as low as Rp 10,000.
BPOM RI has identified 134 links to unregulated drug sales in 2023, a number that skyrocketed to 2,345 links in 2024—a 17-fold increase.This surge highlights the challenges faced by authorities in monitoring and controlling the online distribution of these products.
Regional Hotspots for Unregulated Drugs
The circulation of these drugs is notably rampant in certain regions, including:
- bangka Belitung Islands Province (Pangkalpinang)
- south Kalimantan Province (Banjarmasin)
- West Kalimantan Province (Pontianak)
Toothache medications dominate the market, but the risks extend far beyond dental issues. Many of these drugs contain high doses of steroids and anti-inflammatory substances, which can led to severe health complications.
The “Cespleng” Effect: A Dangerous Illusion
One of the reasons these unregulated drugs remain popular is their perceived effectiveness, often referred to as the “Cespleng” effect. Though, this immediate relief comes at a cost. Prof. Zullies Ikawati, a Pharmacy Professor at Gadjah Mada University, explains that the “Cespleng” effect is often the result of dangerously high doses of steroids and other painkillers.
“Generally, the suitable suit is packaged and sold for inflammatory pain, gout, rheumatism, toothache, and rheumatic pain. These usually contain anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, and nonsteroids such as dexamethasone and methylprednisolone,” she said.
The combination of these substances can lead to severe side effects, including gastric leaks and long-term organ damage. “People who use the medicine feel ‘Cespleng’ because of the high doses, which makes them want to use it again when experiencing the same issues,” Prof. Zullies added.
BPOM RI’s Efforts to Combat the Crisis
BPOM RI has been actively conducting cyber patrols on social media and e-commerce platforms to curb the sale of unregulated drugs. The agency has also issued public appeals to raise awareness about the dangers of these products.
“The sale was carried out by accounts that could not be accounted for because thay were not official pharmacy accounts. All identified links have been submitted to e-commerce platforms for takedown,” Taruna explained.
Despite these efforts, the lack of accurate data on the scale of the problem remains a significant hurdle. BPOM RI’s Dashboard Enforcement Request has recorded 99 cases of unregulated drug circulation from 2020 to 2024, but the actual numbers are believed to be much higher.
Key Takeaways: A Call to Action
The unregulated drug crisis in Indonesia underscores the need for stricter enforcement and public education. Consumers are urged to avoid purchasing medications from unverified sources and to consult healthcare professionals for safe and effective treatments.
| Key Statistics | Details |
|———————|————-|
| Unregulated drug links in 2023 | 134 |
| Unregulated drug links in 2024 | 2,345 |
| Top regions affected | Bangka Belitung, South Kalimantan, West Kalimantan |
| Common drugs sold | Toothache medications, steroids, anti-inflammatory drugs |
As the battle against unregulated drugs continues, collaboration between authorities, e-commerce platforms, and the public will be crucial in safeguarding public health. For more information on safe medication practices, visit the official BPOM RI website.
(NAF/NAF)
Jakarta – The unregulated drug crisis in Indonesia has become a significant public health challenge, with authorities warning of the risks posed by these illicit products. too shed light on this pressing issue, Senior Editor of world-today-news.com sat down with Dr. Rina Dewi,a pharmaceutical expert and public health advocate,to discuss the growing threat of unregulated drugs,their impact on communities,and the steps needed to address this crisis.
The Growing Threat of Unregulated Drugs
Senior Editor: Dr. Dewi, thank you for joining us. The circulation of unregulated drugs in Indonesia has been described as a “public health crisis.” Can you explain why this issue is so critical?
Dr.Rina Dewi: Thank you for having me. The issue is critical because unregulated drugs often lack proper labeling, dosage instructions, and expiration dates. This makes them highly unpredictable and risky. many of these drugs contain high doses of steroids or anti-inflammatory substances, which can lead to severe health complications like gastric leaks, organ damage, and even long-term dependency. The fact that they are easily accessible through online platforms and local markets exacerbates the problem, putting millions of lives at risk.
The Role of Online Marketplaces in Fueling the Crisis
senior Editor: online platforms seem to be a major contributor to the spread of unregulated drugs. Can you elaborate on how these platforms are being exploited?
Dr. Rina Dewi: Absolutely.Online marketplaces have become a haven for unregulated drug sales due to their convenience and anonymity. Sellers often operate through unverified accounts, making it arduous for authorities to track them. In 2023,BPOM RI identified 134 links to unregulated drug sales,but by 2024,that number skyrocketed to 2,345—a staggering 17-fold increase. These drugs are often sold at incredibly low prices, sometimes as little as Rp 10,000, which makes them attractive to consumers who may not realize the risks involved.
Regional Hotspots and Common Drugs
Senior Editor: Are there specific regions in Indonesia where this issue is more prevalent?
Dr. rina Dewi: Yes, certain regions have become hotspots for unregulated drug circulation.The Bangka Belitung Islands, South Kalimantan, and West Kalimantan are especially affected. In these areas,toothache medications are the most commonly sold unregulated drugs.Though, the risks extend far beyond dental issues. Many of these medications contain dangerous levels of steroids and anti-inflammatory substances, which can cause severe side effects.
The ”Cespleng” Effect: A Dangerous Illusion
Senior editor: One term that keeps coming up is the “Cespleng” effect. Can you explain what this means and why it’s so dangerous?
Dr. Rina Dewi: The “Cespleng” effect refers to the immediate relief that users feel after taking these unregulated drugs. This is frequently enough due to dangerously high doses of steroids and painkillers. While the relief may seem beneficial in the short term, the long-term consequences are devastating. High doses of these substances can lead to gastric leaks, organ damage, and even addiction.People often return to these drugs because of the quick relief they provide, not realizing the harm they’re causing to their bodies.
Efforts to Combat the Crisis
Senior editor: What is being done to address this crisis, and what more can be done?
Dr. Rina Dewi: BPOM RI has been actively conducting cyber patrols on social media and e-commerce platforms to identify and take down links to unregulated drug sales. They’ve also issued public appeals to raise awareness about the dangers of these products. However, the lack of accurate data on the scale of the problem remains a significant hurdle. Collaboration between authorities, e-commerce platforms, and the public is crucial. Consumers need to be educated about the risks of purchasing medications from unverified sources and encouraged to consult healthcare professionals for safe and effective treatments.
Key Takeaways and Call to Action
Senior Editor: What woudl you say are the key takeaways from this discussion, and what action should the public take?
dr.Rina Dewi: The key takeaway is that unregulated drugs pose a serious threat to public health. Consumers must avoid purchasing medications from unverified sources and always consult healthcare professionals.Authorities need to strengthen enforcement and work closely with e-commerce platforms to curb the sale of these dangerous products. Public education is also essential to raise awareness about the risks and ensure that people make informed decisions about their health.
Conclusion
The unregulated drug crisis in Indonesia is a complex issue that requires a multi-faceted approach.Through stricter enforcement, public education, and collaboration between stakeholders, we can work towards safeguarding public health and preventing further harm. For more data on safe medication practices,visit the official BPOM RI website.
