Viral Residents Raid Drug Store in East Jakarta, Sahroni Pushes for Tramadol to Be Classified as Psychotropic Substance
Deputy Chair of Commission III of the Indonesian House of Representatives Ahmad Sahroni has called on the Health Ministry (Kemenkes) to reclassify the painkiller Tramadol as a psychotropic substance. This measure is considered urgent given the high rate of abuse of this potent drug, which causes nerve damage equivalent to narcotics.
The call came after a viral video showing residents in Kalisari and Pekayon, Pasar Rebo, East Jakarta, throwing firecrackers at several drug shops allegedly selling Tramadol illegally and freely to teenagers.
“Because the effects are extremely dangerous, just like other psychotropic drugs, even worse. I am requesting that Tramadol be immediately registered as a psychotropic substance with the Health Ministry,” said Sahroni in a written statement on Tuesday (10 March 2026).
The NasDem Party politician emphasised that by classifying Tramadol as a psychotropic substance, oversight and legal sanctions against its circulation would become far stricter. Sahroni called on police not only to stop at closing shops, but also to pursue major traffickers behind its distribution.
“Investigate who owns and supplies it. The distribution chain must be cut off so it stops circulating freely in society. Once it enters the psychotropic category, control will be much stronger,” said Sahroni.
Regarding the mass action raid in East Jakarta, Sahroni expressed appreciation. According to him, the residents’ action represents self-defence against the threat of narcotics that damage the community and the future of young people.
Sahroni also reminded territorial officials from neighbourhood associations (RT and RW) through to community police (Bhabinkamtibmas) to be more vigilant about cosmetic shops or convenience stores often used as fronts for selling illegal hard drugs and prohibited Category G medications.
“The spread of Tramadol is indeed very concerning. I appreciate residents who take the initiative to protect their environment by raiding places selling this drug freely. It signals that the community is fed up,” he added.
Commission III has also emphasised understanding by law enforcement of the spirit of the Criminal Code and Code of Criminal Procedure to prevent criminalisation.
The Drug and Food Authority (POM) has noted that it temporarily halted 47 pharmaceutical distribution and pharmacy service facilities for violations. Governor of DKI Jakarta Pramono Anung said his office would soon regulate the problematic Tanah Abang area, from issues with Mikrotrans vehicles to Tramadol trade.
Tramadol can have serious negative impacts on teenagers, tending to lead them towards brawls or fights due to the aggression and addiction effects of the drug.