BPOM Responds to Widespread Illegal Sale of Tramadol
The Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) is conducting an investigation into allegations that tramadol is being sold freely at retail outlets, including in East Jakarta, where shops were recently attacked with firecrackers following viral social media posts. BPOM has pledged strict action against the misuse of this medication.
“Tramadol falls under certain medicines according to BPOM Regulation Number 21. These are specific medications,” said BPOM Head Taruna Ikrar, as reported by Antara on Tuesday, 10 March 2026.
He explained that certain medicines are strong drugs but commonly used, such as painkillers and fatigue relief medications. Tramadol functions as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic, but is widely abused. “We classify it as a certain medicine. These drugs can cause what exactly? First, a high effect when combined with certain other medicines. And it can function as though it were ecstasy, and so on,” he stated.
Ikrar noted that public reports regarding freely sold tramadol in the community have already received his agency’s attention. Investigations are currently ongoing. “And in the near future, I believe we will take enforcement action,” he said.
A video that went viral on social media showed several shops allegedly selling tramadol in the Kalisari and Pekayon areas of Pasar Rebo, East Jakarta, being attacked with firecrackers by residents. The video recorder, Akbar (not his real name), admitted on Monday, 9 March that he participated in throwing firecrackers because reports from the public had not been followed up.
Deputy Chair of Commission III of the Indonesian House of Representatives Ahmad Sahroni called on police to follow up on the community’s findings regarding tramadol sales outlets in East Jakarta. Sahroni stated that the spread of tramadol in the community is extremely dangerous as it can harm public health and the economy. “I ask that the police move quickly in accommodating reports regarding this tramadol sale because its effects can cause severe addiction for users. There should be no tolerance; when a report is made, action must be taken immediately,” Sahroni said in an official press release.