LSF Holds Expert Discussion with Indonesia’s Food and Drug Authority (BPOM)

Jakarta, November 2, 2026 — Advertisements are among the materials required to undergo censorship, including advertisements for tobacco products and their derivatives, as well as pharmaceutical products. In determining audience age classifications, the Film Censorship Board of Indonesia (LSF RI) conducts its assessments in accordance with applicable regulations, including government regulations, Ministry of Health regulations, and provisions issued by the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM).

“In the context of censorship, particularly for tobacco products and their derivatives, we must follow the latest regulations when determining age classifications for tobacco advertisements. These assessments must comply with the provisions governing tobacco derivatives and other similar products. Therefore, LSF members and film censorship officers need to continuously update their knowledge,” said LSF RI Chair Naswardi during an expert discussion with BPOM in Jakarta on Monday (November 2, 2026).

The discussion featured Nova Emelda, Director of Supervision of Safety, Quality, and Import-Export of Drugs, Narcotics, Psychotropics, Precursors, and Addictive Substances at BPOM, who delivered her presentation online. The session covered recent developments in regulations governing pharmaceutical advertising, provisions concerning tobacco products and electronic cigarettes, and criteria that must be considered when assessing advertising materials.

Head of the LSF Censorship Subcommission, Hadi Artomo, who was responsible for organizing the event, emphasized the importance of cooperation with BPOM in supporting the assessment of films and film advertisements involving medicines, food products, tobacco products, and their derivatives.

“LSF RI needs to establish cooperation with BPOM. We require input from BPOM to clarify and align our assessment procedures, particularly in understanding developments in tobacco and nicotine derivative products, including products used to help people quit smoking. This information is essential for film censorship officers,” Hadi Artomo said.

Through this program, Hadi expressed hope that the knowledge gained would strengthen the competence of LSF members and film censorship officers in carrying out their responsibilities carefully and in accordance with applicable regulations.

A better understanding of regulatory requirements and product characteristics is expected to support accurate content assessments, appropriate audience age classifications, and the issuance of Film Censorship Approval Certificates (STLS) as part of LSF's efforts to protect the public through responsible audiovisual content.

(Adiba Syaidatun Nisa/Tin)