TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Head of the Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM), Taruna Ikrar, stated that dangerous "hard drugs," commonly referred to as "G-listed" drugs, which are widely circulated, do not originate from official pharmaceutical manufacturers. He affirmed that his agency rigorously monitors the production, distribution, and sales of G-listed drugs produced by legitimate pharmaceutical companies.

Ikrar clarified that the illegal G-listed drugs recently confiscated by law enforcement agencies were produced in illicit factories. "Yes, they are produced illegally. If they were legal, they could only be obtained at health service facilities (fasyankes) and through the Electronic Pharmacy System (PSEF), as they require a doctor's prescription," Ikrar told Tempo on Wednesday, June 4, 2025.

Ikrar's statement came in response to the recent surge in the circulation of illegal G-listed drugs in Indonesia. According to Tempo's records, authorities confiscated over 40,000 such drugs between January and May 2025.

Ikrar attributed the widespread circulation of illegal hard drugs to high public demand. He noted the public's limited knowledge and awareness regarding drug safety, stating that people often seek only the recreational effects of G-listed drugs.

"The low level of knowledge and awareness about drug safety, benefits, and quality has also led to the illegal purchase of drugs, including hard drugs," Ikrar explained.

He continued that criminals exploit the extensive drug abuse within society to sell these products for profit. The drugs are then illegally produced and distributed clandestinely.

Ikrar highlighted that these criminals constantly develop new methods for selling drugs like Tramadol, Hexymer, and others. This includes distributing hard drugs through cosmetic stores, grocery stores, and even online platforms such as marketplaces and social media.

"The suspected high demand for drugs is exploited by certain parties to carry out the production or distribution of illegal drugs," Ikrar reiterated.

Ikrar also assured that no health facilities or PSEF are involved in the illegal release of G-listed drugs. He stated that BPOM proactively and routinely conducts field inspections, both directly at pharmaceutical service facilities and on marketplaces and e-commerce platforms.

"BPOM routinely monitors the management of drugs, drug ingredients, narcotics, psychotropics, and pharmaceutical precursors in pharmaceutical service facilities," said Ikrar.

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