Jakarta, IO – President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo directed the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) to immediately complete research related to properties of kratom (Mitragyna speciose), opium-like plant that is native to Southeast Asia because there are still differences regarding its classification.
This was conveyed by the Presidential Chief of Staff Moeldoko because kratom does contain sedatives. However, he said that based on the Health Ministry’s report, kratom is not included in the narcotics category, per Kompas, Thu (20/6).
“The president has instructed the Health Ministry, BRIN and BPOM [Food and Drug Monitoring Agency] to continue research on its properties to ensure public safety,” said Moeldoko.
On the other hand, the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) categorizes kratom as a new psychoactive substance or a new type of narcotic, recommending it to be categorized as Class I narcotic based on Law 35/2009 because it has dangerous side effects, especially if it is abused.
In addition, Jokowi has asked the Trade Ministry to regulate the kratom trade especially with regard to product standardization, quality and quality. This is because a number of kratom exporters have been rejected because they did not meet standards, contaminated with salmonella, E. coli, and heavy metals.
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According to the Trade Ministry, kratom exports grew 15.92 percent annually from 2019 to 2022. Meanwhile, in the period from January-May 2023, the value of kratom exports grew 52.04 percent to US$7.33 million. The export volume also increased by 51.49 percent year-on-year.
“It has quite a large economic potential. And it is quite abundant, especially in Kalimantan,” said National Export Development director general Didi Sumedi. (bp)