BPOM Crackdown Targets Influencers Over Illegal Laughing Gas Sales
- 02 Jun 2026 17:25 WIB
- Voice of Indonesia
Key Points
- BPOM has launched intensified surveillance and enforcement against illegal sales and recreational misuse of nitrous oxide (N2O), known as laughing gas, across Indonesia.
- Authorities are urging the public to report illicit sales or promotions to help locate and shut down supply chains.
RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Ahead of a major regulatory shift expanding its enforcement powers, Indonesia’s Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) has launched a sweeping crackdown on the illegal sale and recreational abuse of nitrous oxide N2O, commonly known as laughing gas.
The intensified surveillance comes in response to the illicit distribution of "whip pink" cartridges, a product originally intended for culinary or medical purposes that has recently surged in popularity on social media. BPOM expressed deep concern over social media influencers who have been actively promoting or documenting the inhalation of the gas for a temporary high, exposing followers to severe health risks.
To combat this trend across the archipelago, authorities are calling on the public to actively report any illicit sales or promotions of the substance. "Based on this report, BPOM will send a team to the location, because Indonesia's vast territory requires cross-sectoral cooperation," said BPOM Chief, Taruna Ikrar, during an interview in Jakarta on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
As reported by Antara, Taruna emphasized that under Health Law No. 17/2023 and Government Regulation No. 28/2024, BPOM’s mandate will significantly expand on July 1, 2026, when full post-market surveillance authority is officially transferred to the agency.
This upgraded role empowers BPOM to establish safety standards, monitor product compliance, and set maximum thresholds for regulated substances, similar to how it limits tar content in cigarettes.
If any distributed product exceeds these benchmarks and poses a public health risk, the agency is legally authorized to execute rigorous testing and enforcement. The regulatory body plans to utilize its expanding powers to dismantle the underground laughing gas market, relying on a unified enforcement front to police the country's vast territory.
"If violations are found, the BPOM can take action, including recalling products from circulation. BPOM has also taken action in several locations. We have been collaborating with the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) and the National Police. Although BPOM has Civil Servant Investigators (PPNS) and an enforcement directorate, collaboration with various stakeholders is still necessary," added Taruna.
Nitrous oxide remains a legitimate chemical compound used across multiple commercial sectors. However, BPOM clarified that its specific jurisdiction is strictly confined to overseeing the gas when it is utilized as a food additive or as a medical-grade anesthetic reserved exclusively for authorized healthcare facilities. ***
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