BPOM Set to Tighten Standards for Advertising of Traditional Medicines

According to the Head of the National Agency of Drug and Food Control (Badan Pengawas Obat dan Makanan – “BPOM”), increased demand for traditional medicines during the ongoing global pandemic has led to widespread abuse by certain actors, specifically the production and distribution of products which do not comply with standards relating to safety, quality and benefits. The level of traditional medicine-related advertising that is failing to meet said standards has now reached 51.68%, and increase of 41.08% over the figure for 2020.[1]

As a result, and in order to protect the general public from any misleading information that is disseminated through advertisements, specifically as it relates to traditional medicines, quasi-medicines and health supplements,[2] the BPOM is currently preparing a Draft Regulation on Advertising Supervision for Traditional Medicines, Quasi Medicines and Health Supplements (“Draft Regulation”).