In an effort to increase public awareness to always use qualified Traditional Medicines, Health Supplements and Cosmetics, last Tuesday, October 4, the Indonesian Food and Drug Supervisory Agency held a Public Explanation Activity on Traditional Medicines, Health Supplements and Cosmetics.

In the BPOM provisions, it is stated that Traditional Medicines, Health Supplements, Cosmetics and Processed Foods can be circulated and promoted in online media by business actors with electronic systems that are owned by themselves and or provided by Electronic System Operators (PSE). However, it must be ensured that the products that are circulated and promoted must have a marketing authorization and are obtained from clear sources. In addition, it should also be noted that over-the-counter drugs, limited over-the-counter drugs, and hard drugs can be circulated online by PSEF who have obtained permission from the Ministry of Health, and specifically hard drugs that are circulated online must be accompanied by a prescription.

In terms of health, Traditional Medicines or Health Supplements without a distribution permit and containing prohibited materials can certainly harm health instead of providing benefits or efficacy. In addition, the circulation of illegal drugs will also harm business actors who run their business according to the provisions.

Meanwhile, from October 2021 to August 2022, 19,000 links to illegal drug sales were found. The link was then successfully taken down, through the coordination of BPOM with the Ministry of Communication and Information and idEA. With this, idEA continues to actively strive to help reduce the circulation of drugs that are not in accordance with BPOM provisions in e-commerce and urges idEA member companies to take down and supervise their platforms.