DPR Member Urges Public to Be More Discerning in Selecting Cosmetics and Medicines
Ade Rezki Pratama, a member of the House of Representatives Commission IX, has warned the public to exercise greater care in selecting cosmetics, medicines, and food products, and to avoid falling victim to promotions promising instant results.
He made these remarks during a video conference presentation at a Communication, Information and Education (KIE) session with community leaders in 2026 in Patamuan District, Padang Pariaman Regency, West Sumatra, on Saturday. The event was jointly organised by the Indonesian Drug and Food Supervisory Agency (BPOM) office in Padang.
“Our children are becoming increasingly concerned about their appearance, yet they forget there are risks associated with the cosmetics they use,” said Ade.
He noted that cosmetic products are no longer available only at shops near homes and traditional markets, but are also sold through online applications. These products are furthermore promoted via social media platforms that are integrated with online marketplace applications.
The same issue exists with medicines and traditional herbal remedies (jamu), as unscrupulous manufacturers may add chemical substances to provide instant effects that can nonetheless cause serious health damage to users, he warned.
He also cautioned the public to be selective when purchasing and consuming food products, as some foods circulating in Indonesia originate from abroad without having undergone supervision by the relevant authorities.
Elyunaida, Acting Head of the BPOM office in Padang, stressed the importance of increasing public awareness regarding the proper use of medicines and food. However, the office continues to find unregistered medicinal and herbal products containing chemical ingredients being sold in Padang Pariaman, indicating that local residents are still purchasing and consuming such products.
She urged the public to carefully read all product information, including ingredients, expiry dates, and distribution permits, and to verify products through the BPOM website before purchasing and consuming them. Products that have obtained BPOM approval have received supervision from the agency and their distribution is monitored.
The BPOM requires public assistance in overseeing the circulation of cosmetics, medicines, and food products by reporting suspected unregistered products to the agency.