The government will investigate the use of ingredients containing ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol in the manufacture of syrup medicines. The investigation will be carried out by the Ministry of Industry (Kemenperin). Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita said the two materials are usually used for textile production. "We are conducting an investigation. Because we want to make sure that one life is very important, it should not be lost, but coordination from various parties is also needed," he said when met at the Office of the Coordinating Ministry for the Economy, Jakarta, Monday (31/10/2022).

Regarding the ban on imports of ethylene glycol and diethylone glycol, he still has to explore the elements of the problem. As in India, said Agus Gumiwang, the identification of the problem lies in the raw materials.

"We'll see the structure of the raw materials. We're investigating all of this now. We'll definitely find out if it was intentional, so we'll check everything. What kind of raw material originates, then what kind of importer, we'll check it out," he said.

Regarding the imposition of sanctions, the government is still unable to provide confirmation because it is currently investigating.

"We'll see what happens later. Anyway, what I can say is that one life is very important, we must protect it," said Agus Gumiwang.

Previously reported by Kompas.com, the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) banned ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol in syrup products for children and adults.

This prohibition is the impact of finding cases of acute kidney injury or acute kidney injury (AKI) whose cause is still unknown.

Head of BPOM Penny K Lukito said the ban on these two substances was to provide protection for the people of Indonesia.

"BPOM has set requirements at the time of registration that all syrup drug products for children and adults are not allowed to use diethylene glycol (DEG) and ethylene glycol (EG)," he said.