BPOM intensifies cyber patrols to combat circulation of illegal medicines and food

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) is intensifying cyber patrols to suppress the circulation of illegal medicine and food products in the digital space, amid the proliferation of sales through online platforms. “Cyber patrols will continue depending on evolving conditions,” said BPOM Head Taruna Ikrar during a hearing with Commission IX of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) at the parliamentary complex in Jakarta on Monday. It is known that cyber patrols involve active monitoring, surveillance, and enforcement activities conducted by BPOM in the digital realm. According to Taruna, oversight in cyberspace is one of BPOM’s primary strategies in addressing the increasingly massive distribution of illegal products. “The number of cyber patrols we conduct targets 197,562 takedowns by 2025, which have already been followed up by the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs,” he stated. Furthermore, Taruna conveyed that from 2026 to the first quarter—wait, in the first quarter of this year, BPOM has taken down 61,564 contents related to illegal products, exceeding 25 percent of the previous year’s achievement. “This year, we have already realised 61,564 in the first quarter, thus surpassing 25 percent of last year. Of course, cyber patrols will continue depending on evolving conditions,” he said. Currently, Taruna stated that digital oversight is crucial because the circulation of illegal products heavily utilises online channels that are difficult to reach through conventional monitoring. Therefore, BPOM continues to strengthen cross-sector coordination to accelerate enforcement against violating content while enhancing public protection from products that do not meet safety, efficacy, and quality standards. “We are also optimising the use of digital technology to detect and prevent the circulation of illegal products,” he added. These steps are expected to suppress the circulation of illegal medicines and food, as well as increase awareness among businesses and consumers of the importance of compliance with regulations.