BPOM disposes of illegal `jamu'

BOGOR: The Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) has disposed of three containers of illegal jamu (Indonesian herbal remedy) confiscated by the agency during raids in the greater Jakarta area.

The illegal jamu included "bone flu" jamu, stamina booster and pain relief herbs in sachets and boxes, Jakarta BPOM head Hari Wahyu said, adding that it had all been produced in Central Java.

"The jamu was confiscated in 2007 and 2008 in Greater Jakarta. The jamu confiscated was not fit for consumption because it could damage the bowels and other internal organs," Hari said.

To dispose of the jamu, BPOM used the compound of PT Indocement Tunggal Prakarsa Tbk cement factory in Cibinong.

Indocement spokesman Aldo Yuliardi said his factory was certified by the office of the State Minister for the Environment to dispose of poisonous wastes. - JP