Efektivitas Pengawasan Balai Besar Pengawas Obat dan Makanan (BBPOM) Medan dalam Peredaran Kosmetik Ilegal di Kota Medan

Abstract

This study aims to describe the effectiveness of supervision carried out by the Medan Center for Drug and Food Control (BBPOM) in addressing the circulation of illegal cosmetics in Medan City. The increasing prevalence of unregistered and harmful cosmetic products distributed through both physical stores and digital platforms indicates that despite existing efforts, illegal cosmetics remain widely available. This research employs a descriptive qualitative approach using data collection techniques such as observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. Informants were selected using a snowball sampling technique, involving BBPOM Medan officials and local cosmetic users. The findings reveal that the effectiveness of BBPOM’s supervision can be assessed through three main indicators: (1) goal achievement, as reflected in the significant number of illegal products withdrawn from circulation, although not yet followed by a decrease in their distribution; (2) integration, through inter-sectoral coordination and public outreach efforts, which remain limited in reaching all stakeholders effectively; and (3) adaptation, demonstrated by the use of digital tools such as the BPOM Mobile application and the cekbpom.pom.go.id website, though adoption remains low among less digitally literate users. In conclusion, BBPOM Medan's supervision efforts are relatively effective but require improvement in public education strategies, institutional collaboration, and adaptive responses to the evolving patterns of illegal cosmetic distribution in the digital age. This research is expected to contribute practical insights toward enhancing supervision systems and consumer protection in the cosmetic sector.