Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The Indonesian government launched a National Action to Prevent the Misuse of Certain Prescription Drugs in the Riau Islands on Tuesday (26/5/2026), aiming to protect children and adolescents from illegal circulation.

Head of the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) Taruna Ikrar said drug syndicates are shifting from narcotics to the drugs due to lighter penalties. 

“The effects are similar, but they escape the death penalty,” he noted, as reported by antaranews.com. 

BPOM recently seized 1.6 billion capsules and raw materials capable of producing up to six billion more, valued at hundreds of trillions of rupiah.

Deputy Minister of Population and Family Development Ratu Ayu Isyana Bagus Oka stressed prevention must begin with family-based approaches. 

“Protection of youth is a national priority,” she said. 

Governor Ansar Ahmad highlighted Riau Islands’ proximity to the busy Malacca Strait, warning of high smuggling risks across its vast maritime territory

(mg/inp/pr/rs)