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BPOM has found 38 illegal and dangerous traditional medicine products (obat bahan alam, or OBA) during its surveillance in July 2026. Many were sold as men’s stamina boosters, slimming products, or pain relievers, and some contained undeclared chemical drugs that can damage the heart, blood pressure, liver, and kidneys. For legitimate traditional medicine manufacturers, the findings show why registration, Good Manufacturing Practice, and ingredient verification matter. They also show why a halal logo alone cannot tell a consumer that a product is safe.
1. What BPOM Found in July 2026
According to a CNN Indonesia report published on September 16, 2026, BPOM’s surveillance in July 2026 identified 38 OBA products that were illegal and dangerous. BPOM Head Taruna Ikrar announced the findings, and the agency is continuing to investigate further.
2. Why Hidden Chemical Drugs Are Dangerous
BPOM stated that OBA must not contain any type of chemical drug (bahan kimia obat, or BKO). It warned that BKO in traditional medicine can cause blood pressure problems, heart attacks, and damage to the liver and kidneys.
The danger is that consumers cannot see BKO on a label. A product can look like a natural herbal remedy while containing a prescription-strength ingredient that the consumer never agreed to take. BPOM also flagged marketing claims it considers exaggerated, including instant stamina, rapid relief of joint pain, cures for gout, and fast weight loss.
3. Patterns in the Flagged Products
The CNN report lists the flagged products by name. In this article, we summarize the categories without naming brands, because the purpose is to explain the risk pattern, not to point to individual companies.
| Product Category | Typical Undeclared Ingredients Reported | Common Marketing Claim |
|---|---|---|
| Male stamina and “strong” products | Sildenafil, tadalafil, primidenafil, carbodenafil analogues | Instant or long-lasting stamina |
| Slimming products | Sibutramine, orlistat | Fast weight loss |
| Pain and joint products | Paracetamol, diclofenac, dexamethasone, meloxicam, methyl salicylate | Quick relief of pain, cure for gout |
| Itch and skin products | Prednisolone, betamethasone | Treatment for itching and eczema |
4. Why a Halal Logo Is Not Proof of Safety
Halal certification and BPOM registration check different things. Halal certification assesses whether ingredients, processes, facilities, and supply chains meet halal requirements. BPOM registration and CPOTB assess safety, quality, efficacy, and whether a product contains only what is declared.
A product can present a halal logo while hiding a chemical drug, which is why the two systems must work together. Our earlier guide on the October 17 traditional medicine deadline explains that halal certification sits alongside CPOTB and BPOM registration, not in place of them: Traditional Medicine Halal Certification: October 17 Deadline Guide.
5. What Legitimate Manufacturers Must Do
For manufacturers who follow the rules, the BPOM findings reinforce several practical steps:
Halal certification adds another layer. Auditors review raw materials and supplier documentation, so a supply chain with clear records is easier to certify and easier to defend.
6. What Consumers Should Check
Before Buying a Traditional Medicine or Supplement
- Look for a BPOM registration number (NIE) on the packaging, and check it through the BPOM Mobile app
- Be cautious of products promising instant stamina, rapid weight loss, or cures for chronic disease
- Do not assume a halal logo or “natural” label means the product is safe
- Stop use and seek medical advice if you feel chest pain, dizziness, or unusual symptoms after taking a product
- Report suspicious products to BPOM
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Need Help Registering a Traditional Medicine or Supplement Product?
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INSIGHTOF Consulting Indonesia
Established 2016 | 1,000+ BPOM & Halal Filings
