Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s National Police and the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) will work on regulations governing kratom use to prevent misuse, including consumption outside approved guidelines.
“We will discuss this further to ensure kratom is governed by clear regulations,” National Police Chief General Suyudi Ario Seto said after meeting BPOM Chief Taruna Ikrar in Jakarta on Monday.
Suyudi said kratom could have medicinal uses but could also be misused, potentially making it dangerous.
“We must not let kratom, which may have legitimate uses, be misused. That could be extremely dangerous, particularly for young people,” he said.
Police and BPOM will therefore continue discussions on regulations governing kratom use.
BPOM Chief Taruna Ikrar echoed the remarks, saying the agency and police were committed to coordinating oversight of kratom use.
“Kratom is a natural resource with development potential, but it can also be misused. We will coordinate and discuss this issue closely,” he said.
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tree in the coffee family, with broad leaves and a height of about 4 to 16 meters.
Kratom has been used or promoted for pain relief, relaxation, diarrhea, fever, blood sugar control, and immune support, although evidence supporting these medical uses remains limited.
Indonesia’s National Narcotics Agency (BNN) has urged the public to remain alert to kratom’s potential misuse as a drug.
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Translator: Nadia PR, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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