Suggestion from the Pharmaceutical Industry on the Obligation of Labels in Indonesian Language

The Indonesian Pharmaceutical Companies Association (Gabungan Perusahaan Farmasi– “ GP Farmasi ”) has expressed objections to a proposed article in the Draft Bill on Consumer Protection (“ CP Law ”) that mandates the inclusion of labels in Indonesian language. According to Secretary General of GP Farmasi, Andreas Bayu Aji, the use of Indonesian language, including product names, sizes, weights/contents, and other information, is prone to causing misinterpretations, especially for pharmaceutical products.

“If labelled in Indonesian language, it’s not certain that there will be equivalent words and the same understanding as the original terms,” said Andreas to Hukumonline.

Andreas proposed to Commission VI of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia, that the obligation to use Indonesian language, especially on pharmaceutical products, should be limited to the inclusion of information and usage instructions in accordance with the provisions of the previous version of CP Law. He emphasized the importance of understanding and educating consumers, particularly regarding the use of medicine and its side effects.

“We need to make sure consumers understand before they take the medicine and make sure they understand the possible side effects,” he added.