Indonesia Grapples with Surge in Illegal Ketamine Use
Indonesia is facing a rising concern over the illicit sale and misuse of ketamine, prompting authorities to consider stricter measures to combat the growing problem. The Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) has urged the Health Ministry to classify ketamine as a psychotropic drug, a move that would criminalize improper use and result in potential jail time for offenders.
Illicit Sales Skyrocket
The call for reclassification comes amidst a troubling surge in the illegal sale of injectable ketamine across the country. BPOM investigations have uncovered a spike in purchases, particularly in popular tourist destinations like Bali, where ketamine is increasingly being used for illicit purposes.
Ketamine: A Double-Edged Sword
Ketamine is a medically valuable drug with a long history of use as an anesthetic. It has also gained recognition in recent years for its potential in treating mental health conditions such as treatment-resistant depression, chronic pain, bipolar disorder, and anxiety. However, ketamine’s ability to induce dissociative effects, sedation, hallucinations, and relaxation has unfortunately led to its abuse as a recreational drug and, alarmingly, as a tool in date-rape cases.
Strict Controls Undermined
Indonesia maintains strict regulations on ketamine, requiring prescriptions from qualified doctors for purchase and limiting administration to licensed medical professionals. Despite these measures, the rise in illicit sales suggests that existing controls are being circumvented, raising concerns about the availability and potential dangers of ketamine misuse.
Recreational Use and Tattoo Parlors
“Our investigation found that these buyers have been using ketamine as an anesthetic in tattoo shops or as a recreational drug at nightclubs,” said Taruna Ikrar, head of BPOM, during a press briefing on Friday.
Rising problem
What steps is the BPOM advocating for to address the issue of illicit ketamine use in Indonesia?
## Indonesia’s Ketamine Crisis: A Conversation with Taruna Ikrar
**Interviewer:** Welcome to the show, Mr. Ikrar. We’re here today to discuss the alarming rise in illegal ketamine use in Indonesia.
**Taruna Ikrar:** Thank you for having me. This is indeed a serious issue that requires our immediate attention.
**Interviewer:** Can you tell us more about the situation?
**Taruna Ikrar:** We at BPOM have observed a significant surge in illicit ketamine sales across the country, particularly in tourist hotspots like Bali. Our investigations reveal these sales are fueling both recreational drug use and dangerous practices like its use as a makeshift anesthetic in tattoo parlors. [ [1](https://www.alodokter.com/ketamine) ]
**Interviewer:** Why is ketamine so attractive to those engaging in illegal activities?
**Taruna Ikrar:** Ketamine is a double-edged sword. While it has legitimate medical applications as an anesthetic and is showing promise in treating mental health conditions, it also possesses dissociative qualities that can induce euphoria and relaxation desired by recreational users.
**Interviewer:** What steps is the BPOM taking to curb this problem?
**Taruna Ikrar:** We’ve urged the Health Ministry to classify ketamine as a psychotropic drug. This reclassification would criminalize improper use and allow for stricter penalties, including potential jail time for offenders.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned existing regulations. Are those proving insufficient?
**Taruna Ikrar:** While Indonesia has strict regulations requiring prescriptions and limiting administration to medical professionals, the recent surge in illicit sales clearly indicates that current measures are being bypassed. This highlights the need for more robust enforcement and a multi-pronged approach that targets both supply and demand.
**Interviewer:** What message do you have for the public?
**Taruna Ikrar:** Ketamine misuse poses serious health risks. It can lead to addiction, psychological complications, and even death. We urge everyone to be aware of the dangers and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities. This is a shared responsibility, and we need the public’s cooperation to tackle this pressing issue.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Mr. Ikrar.
