East Jakarta — Residents of Kayu Manis, Matraman District, East Jakarta, have raised concerns over the presence of a drugstore selling prescription-only medicines (classified as Group G drugs) that is allegedly operating illegally. Ironically, the establishment is reportedly owned by an active member of the Indonesian Army.
Located on Jalan Kayu Manis II, RT 08 RW 02, Kayu Manis Subdistrict, the shop initially operated under the guise of a cosmetics store. However, suspicious activity, particularly the influx of visitors at night, began to raise eyebrows among locals.
When approached by journalists on Tuesday (July 1, 2025), a store attendant disclosed that the business is owned by someone with the initials A, who serves in the Military Police Command (Puspom) of the Indonesian Army. “This shop belongs to An**s, bro. He’s stationed at Puspom,” the attendant told reporters briefly.
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Adi, the neighborhood chief (RT 08), confirmed that the shop tenant had initially reported plans to sell daily necessities. However, the store’s operations gradually took a worrying turn. “When they first came to me, they said they wanted to sell groceries. But after a few months, things started to look suspicious. At one point, the store clerk was even taken away by the police. That’s when I began to question what was really going on,” Adi explained.
Residents confirmed that the store has been operating for about four months and has since become a concern due to suspicions of selling hard drugs without a permit.
Group G drugs are classified as prescription-only medications and should only be dispensed under a doctor’s supervision. Unmonitored consumption can lead to intoxication, hallucinations, and even loss of consciousness. Locals fear that the circulation of such substances could harm young people in the area.
“We’re calling on the authorities to take immediate action. Don’t turn a blind eye. This isn’t just about business—it’s about our children’s future,” said a resident who requested anonymity.
Kayu Manis residents are urging law enforcement to act swiftly. They hope relevant agencies—including the police, the Health Department, and the military—will investigate and respond to community complaints.
The illegal sale of prescription drugs violates Law No. 36 of 2009 on Health. Articles 196 and 197 of the law stipulate that anyone who manufactures or distributes pharmaceutical products without a marketing authorization may face up to 15 years in prison and fines up to IDR 1.5 billion.
Public anxiety has been exacerbated by suspicions of involvement by an official who should be protecting the community. This situation has eroded public trust in law enforcement.
“If it’s true that a state official is behind this, it’s even worse. It feels like someone is protecting the operation. If this continues, it’s proof that the law only works against the powerless,” another resident added.
As of this report’s publication, no official statement has been issued by either the police or military authorities regarding the alleged involvement of the said individual.
(Editorial Team)
