Indonesia expands investigation into deaths of more than 200 children from cough syrup use

Police check cough syrup at a pharmacy in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, October 24, 2022.

This is the latest move to prosecute individuals involved in the incident that has shocked public opinion in recent times.

Mr. Andika Urrasyidin, head of the investigation team into the contaminated cough syrup case, said that the authorities have summoned several BPOM officials for questioning and the investigation is still ongoing. Mr. Andika stressed that the investigation agency is reviewing all the evidence and continuing to take statements from relevant people. He affirmed that those who have committed violations will be held responsible.

Meanwhile, Hersadwi Rusdiyono, director of the Indonesian National Police's criminal investigation department, said BPOM officials have been invited as witnesses and investigators are also conducting a review of pharmaceutical regulatory agencies. Hersadwi said police are working with prosecutors to ensure that BPOM officials have performed their duties and responsibilities in accordance with the law. He also said the investigation so far has focused on lower-level employees and does not include BPOM Director Penny Lukito.

In October 2022, Indonesia temporarily banned the sale of some syrups after finding ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol in them. These two compounds are used as antifreeze in industrial products, but are also a cheaper substitute for glycerine, a solvent or thickener in many cough syrups. These two compounds can be toxic and can lead to acute kidney injury. BPOM has so far revoked the licenses of at least three other companies that produced products it determined contained high levels of ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol.

In late 2022, Indonesian police arrested and charged eight individuals from companies in the country who imported and distributed raw materials to cough syrup manufacturers that were found to contain industrial chemicals that were toxic to children’s health.

Not only Indonesia, countries like Gambia and Uzbekistan also recorded dozens of cases of children dying from using contaminated cough syrup last year. The World Health Organization (WHO) is also cooperating with these countries to investigate the global pharmaceutical supply chain for these cough syrups.

According to VNA