Jakarta. The Narcotics Crime Directorate of the Indonesian National Police has confiscated 959 bottles and 710 boxes of poppers, a sex stimulant used predominantly in same-sex activities.

"This drug is used for sexual activities among certain communities," Mukti Juharsa, Director of Narcotics Crime, said during a press conference on Monday.

"Poppers" refer to a type of recreational drug that is inhaled for its psychoactive effects. They contain alkyl nitrites, which are chemicals that relax smooth muscles. People primarily use poppers for recreational purposes, often in sexual settings. They can produce a short-lived head rush and intensify sexual pleasure.

Mukti revealed that poppers are used in sex parties involving same-sex individuals. In this case, police have arrested three suspects identified as RCL, P, and MS. RCL is accused of being the importer of poppers in North Bekasi, P is the importer in Banten, and MS is an associate of P.

Additionally, two Chinese nationals, identified as E and L, are involved as exporters.

During the same briefing, Suhermanto, Head of Sub-directorate III of the Narcotics Crime Directorate, explained the distribution methods of the illegal drugs. "Initially, the drugs were distributed through online marketplaces. However, following a ban by BPOM (Indonesian Food and Drug Authority), platforms like Tokopedia and Shopee have blocked the distribution. As a result, distribution now occurs within specific communities, through direct messaging, and other media," Suhermanto said.

Article 292 of the Indonesian Criminal Code (KUHP) addresses penalties for homosexual acts, though it does not explicitly criminalize consensual homosexual activities between adults. However, sexual acts involving minors are punishable by up to five years in prison.

Under Law No. 1/2023, which takes effect in 2026, homosexual acts accompanied by lewd behavior, violence, or publicizing as pornography may be subject to criminal penalties. However, simply having an attraction to the same sex is not criminalized.

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