inp.polri.go.id - Bengkulu City. An illegal whitening injection practice, allegedly operating for three years, was uncovered by the Bengkulu Regional Police's Special Criminal Investigation Directorate. Two midwives, identified as MG and LS, were arrested in connection with the practice.
The case came to light after police received a public report regarding an alleged illegal whitening injection service being conducted at a house in the Tebeng area of Bengkulu City.
The Head of Sub-Directorate I of Industry and Trade of the Bengkulu Regional Police's Special Criminal Investigation Directorate, Superintendent Herman, stated on Monday (9/21/2026) that officers made the arrest on Thursday (9/17/2026) after following up on the information.
"The arrest stemmed from information from the public that an illegal practice was being conducted by a hospital employee at a house in the Tebeng area of Bengkulu City," he said.
When officers arrived, MG, who is known to work at a private hospital in Bengkulu City, was treating a patient undergoing a whitening injection.
After MG's questioning, investigators then expanded the case to the North Bengkulu Regency. As a result, the police arrested LS, who is suspected of running the practice with MG.
Based on preliminary investigations, the whitening injection practice is said to have been going on for about three years. The materials used for the service were purchased online through marketplaces.
LS allegedly recruited MG, a roommate, to run the whitening injection business in Bengkulu City.
Each customer was charged IDR 400,000 for a single injection. Police said the service reached a wide range of groups, from high school students to the general public.
However, the practice is suspected to not only violate legal provisions but also pose a potential health risk to consumers.
Herman said the health team's examination revealed the presence of substances that can cause side effects.
"Based on the examination results, the drugs used by the perpetrators contain dangerous substances that can cause health problems ranging from the appearance of bruises on the skin, affecting the immune system to stimulating cancer cells, which can affect consumers' health," he said.
The police are still investigating the practice, including tracing the materials used and the possibility of other consumers who have used the whitening injection service.
(ad/ad/pr/rs)
