Jakarta. Parliament member Edy Wuryanto of Commission IX overseeing labor and health issues urged caution regarding the legalization of Mitragyna Speciosa, commonly known as kratom, emphasizing the need for thorough research into its substances and effects to ensure public safety.

President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo recently convened a meeting with ministers and agency heads to discuss kratom, a plant cultivated by 18,000 farmers and currently under research by Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) under the oversight of the National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM).

Edy pointed out that communities in various regions use kratom for personal consumption and export, attributing purported benefits such as enhancing stamina, alleviating pain, and improving mood.

He referenced a 2016 Circular Letter from BPOM prohibiting kratom in traditional medicines and health supplements. Additionally, Edy noted that Indonesia's National Narcotics Agency (BNN) classifies kratom as a narcotic due to its alkaloids, including mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which are claimed to have pain-relieving and energy-boosting effects.

Edy mentioned that several countries, including Denmark, Poland, Sweden, Ireland, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Australia, have banned kratom or its substances.

"We must consider not only the economic value but also the public safety implications of kratom, given its classification as a narcotic by BNN and bans in various countries," he emphasized.

Since 2022, BNN has treated 133 kratom users experiencing symptoms similar to opioid dependence, including anxiety, tension, vomiting, dizziness, and nausea.

Edy stressed the importance of scientifically validating kratom's benefits. BPOM was urged to oversee kratom according to regulations, ensuring rigorous clinical trials before its introduction into the market.

"BRIN has been directed to conduct meticulous clinical trials in collaboration with BPOM. This process must be thorough, prioritizing accuracy over speed, unlike the urgency seen in Covid-19 vaccine development," he said.

Edy quoted the Acting Head of BPOM, who cautioned against promoting kratom use with specific claims until human testing phases are complete. This research is slated for completion by August.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), indigenous populations have historically used kratom for medicinal purposes, including pain relief and managing opioid withdrawal symptoms, as well as for enhancing sociability and combating fatigue, particularly among manual laborers.

High-dose kratom use can lead to serious toxicity, although the incidence of such cases is likely low compared to the overall user population. Since 2010, over 300 deaths linked to kratom have been reported, predominantly after 2015 and primarily in the US and Western Europe.

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